Jesus is different than we expect. He is loves, but His love is conditional. He is just, but His justice is based on our actions. He calls many, but not all. Those chosen must remain faithful to the end. We are required to deny ourselves, to take up our cross, to follow Christ.
What we do matters!
***
84: Jesus Tells Of The Temptation Of Riches
Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30
A MAN came to Jesus and asked:
“Good Master, what shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
Jesus replied:
“Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one–that is, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”
The man asked:
“Which?”
Jesus replied:
“Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness. Honor thy father and thy mother, and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
The man said to Jesus:
“All these things I have kept from my youth up. What lack I yet?”
Jesus, looking upon him, loved him and replied:
“One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”
When the man heard that, he went away sadly; for he had very great possessions. Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said:
“Verily I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven.”
The disciples were astonished at these words. Seeing their surprise, Jesus said to them:
“Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
The astonishment of the disciples was great. They said to one another:
“Who then can be saved?”
Jesus answered them saying:
“With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
Thereupon Peter said to Jesus:
“Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee. What shall we have therefore?”
Jesus replied to him:
“Verily I say unto you that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”