Matthew 19 & Mark 10
Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (Minnesota)
When I taught a primary Sunday School class many years ago, there were three eager learners in the class: a brother and sister, and another young boy who was their cousin. The brother and sister were blond and blue-eyed, a sharp contrast to their cousin’s thick dark hair and brown eyes, but each one was bright and engaging, and so fun to teach. They were also quite competitive.
“Who’s going to pass out the crayons?” I asked. “I will,” declared one student, only to be challenged by another voice chiming in, “No, I will!” Inevitably, the remaining student would declare, “I want to do it! It’s my turn!”
For several weeks, this vocal battle ensued each time a new task presented itself during our classtime. We tried to keep track of “turns,” but it still didn’t seem to quiet the noise, or the challenge of, “No, it’s my turn! He did it last week.” Our precious learning time was being shortened by these weekly squabbles.
I needed a solution and Scripture provided the answer. Matt. 19:30 says, “But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” Mark 10:19 repeats the same sentence.
In Matt. 19:16-30 and Mark 10:17-31 we find the story of Jesus’ encounter with the rich, young ruler.
One day, as Jesus was walking along the road, a rich young man came up to him. “Teacher,” the man said, “what good thing should I do to have eternal life?”
Jesus answered, “You know the commandments.” Jesus then began to list several of them.
“I have obeyed all the commandments since I was young,” the rich young man replied.
Jesus looked at the young man and loved him. Then, he said to him, “You lack only one thing. Sell all you have and give the money to the poor so that you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard those words, he turned and walked away because he had many possessions.
As the rich young man sadly departed, Jesus declared to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus’ words amazed the disciples. Then he repeated again, “Children, how hard it is to enter 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 the kingdom of God.”
Jesus’ statement astonished the disciples. We can imagine them with eyes wide open, jaws dropped, and simply speechless for a few moments. Finally, they asked, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus responded, “with men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”
The rich young ruler had followed the law. Yet Jesus wanted him to sell everything he owned. Jesus saw what the disciples could not see—the young ruler’s heart. His status, his possessions, were more important than following the example of Jesus, who came to serve mankind and ultimately sacrifice his life for all.
Peter, still trying to understand the meaning of his teacher’s words, exclaimed, “Behold we have left everything and followed you.”
Jesus’ loving response brought assurance.
The disciples’ present sacrifices would be rewarded in the age to come. They had left family and livelihood to follow their beloved Master and assist him in his ministry. To others, they appeared as common laborers, poor and at the bottom of society. But in the coming kingdom, their status would be undisputed.
Paul says it well in I Timothy 4:7-8. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
When I shared this story with my students, a change happened. As we began our class the next Sunday, I asked, “Who’s going to pass out the crayons?”
I received these responses. “You go ahead and do it;” “No, you can go first;” “I want to be last!” Attitudes had changed!
All three children now wanted to be LAST each and every time!
“But many who are first, will be last; and the last first.”
Reflection Questions
- Why is it hard for wealthy people to follow Jesus?
- What “riches” do you have in your life that make it difficult to live for Jesus?
- How can you be “last” as you interact with others this week?
Seek Grow Love 