Week 8 | Day 5 THE RICH YOUNG RULER Matthew 19:16–26 | Mark 10:17–27 | Luke 18:18–30

In this passage, a wealthy, morally upright ruler approached Jesus with an earnest question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus affirmed the goodness of God and pointed him to the commandments. The man confidently claimed lifelong obedience, but Jesus exposed the one thing that still held his heart—his wealth. So, Jesus called the man to sell what he had, give to the poor, and follow Him. The man walked away sorrowful, unable to release what he owned—because what he thought he owned, owned him.

Jesus then taught His disciples that riches can become a spiritual obstacle, not because possessions are evil, but because they so easily replace trust in God. Humanly speaking, such surrender seems impossible—but Jesus declared that what is impossible with man is possible with God. The significance of the passage is that eternal life isn’t earned by moral achievement or secured by material success; it is received by wholehearted surrender and trusting dependence on God alone.

APPLICATION

1. Identify Your “One Thing” that Inhibits Your Walk with God

Ask honestly—what would be hardest to give up if Jesus asked me to give it up to follow Him.

2. Practice Open-Handed Living

Intentionally give, share, or simplify to weaken the grip of possessions. Allow God to put into your trust and take from your trust whatever blessings He needs to move for the sake of the Gospel.

3. Replace Self-reliance with Prayerful Dependence

Daily confess your need for God’s provision. “Give us this day our daily bread…” While it’s not wrong to plan for the future, never surrender you daily trust in God and in His provision.

4. Choose Obedience Over Comfort

Follow Jesus even when it disrupts your sense of control. Remember that you are a steward of his blessings and not an owner.

5. Trust God’s ability to transform hearts—yours and others—beyond human effort.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, You see my heart more clearly than I see myself. Reveal anything I’m trusting more than You, and give me the courage to release it. I don’t want to walk away sad when You invite me to follow fully. Teach me to trust You where surrender feels impossible, and to believe that what I give up for You is nothing compared to what I gain in You. Free my heart, deepen my faith, and lead me in wholehearted obedience. Amen.