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I’m starting a theme today – Gospel Wednesday. Have you noticed when you watch a movie again, you tend to notice more? You hear a funny line, notice a great costume, or discover foreshadowing you missed. Along that line, when I read the Bible readings before Sunday, I find that I am able to engage in the readings and the sermon in new and fresh ways.
My congregation follows a three-year lectionary, and we are in year B. (If you are interested in more information on lectionaries click here.) Not all churches follow a lectionary, so you may have to ask your church secretary for the readings if you want to follow along with your church.
Every Wednesday I’ll post the readings from my church for the next Sunday with some questions to stimulate conversation.
Enjoy!
Mark 10:17- 22
The Rich Young Man
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Things to think about:
* A lot of people would look at this verse as an example to us. They use it as a measuring stick for their own lives.
* Have you sold everything you own? Have you done enough to impress Jesus? How much is enough? Do you think if the man had sold everything and followed Jesus, that would have been enough?
* Always remember that we point to Jesus as our “enough.” I honestly believe Jesus was waiting for the man to trust him, despite his unwillingness to part with his wealth. Remember the prayer, “I believe, help thou my unbelief.” Jesus Christ sold it all, he gave up everything including his life for us. We are redeemed and welcomed as children of God because Jesus died and rose.
* We do not have to rely on ourselves, or our wealth, or even our willingness to give up our wealth to get us into heaven. On days that you are hurting or feel like you haven’t done enough, look to Jesus. He has paid the price, he has given it up for us.
On my heart imprint your image, Blessed Jesus, King of grace, That life’s riches, cares and pleasures, Never may your work erase; Let the clear inscription be: Jesus, crucified for me, Is my life, my hope’s foundation, And my glory and salvation!Lutheran Service Book 422
