What Jesus Did! 'Still One Thing!' — Luke 18:21-23

Thursday, October 26, 2023

[After Jesus' reply to the religious leader's question about what to do to inherit eternal live, the] man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young."

When Jesus heard his answer, he said, "There is still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.

— Luke 18:21-23 NLT

Key Thought

For the rich man, the one additional thing Jesus called him to surrender was huge. Our one additional thing also can be huge. Clearly, this story impacts us in at least three ways:
  1. It calls us to be generous and understand the heart of God toward us and others.
  2. However, it also asks us to look at our life circumstances and determine what is the one thing that is most difficult for us to give up for Jesus.
  3. Then it calls us to give it up for the benefit of others.

So the message for you and me, dear friend, is this: We must be generous, and we must not let anything interfere with our wholehearted devotion to the Lord Jesus.

Today's Prayer

Dear Father in heaven, please never, ever, let anything crowd into my heart and become a rival to your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

As a Child!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, When you read the verses below, I want you to notice My interactions with My disciples regarding a rich public official who turned..."
I've Obeyed All These
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: "Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" ... [Jesus said,] "But to answer..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 18:21-23 NLT — "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, October 26, 2023

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Before He Is Born' (Lk. 1:14-15)
"[An angel said, "John the Baptizer] will be a joy and delight to you [his parents], and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Grace in Godly Influence' (Acts 27:30-32)
"[After fourteen days in the storm, the ship carrying Paul was in peril of breaking up on the rocks of the shoreline.] Then the sailors tried to..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Proverbs 31:9
"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'It's Always Special When Angels Show Up'
"Dear Child of the King, When you open your Bible and you see the appearance of angels, know that the Father is up to something special in your world...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!