On January 3rd, 2021 AM bible students joined for their first Sunday Fellowship of the New Year. After receiving the message, bible students shared touching reflections and gave encouragement and support to one another.

The message came from Matthew 19:16-22 with the main verse of the evening being, “Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:6)

The reason why this story is remarkable is because this young man was rich and had many material possessions, yet he felt like he was missing something. This is the reality of many people in this world. Outwardly they have everything, but inwardly they are lacking.

“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” (verse 17) “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” (verse 20). Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (verse 21).

This is how the conversation between Jesus and the young man goes. The young man believed that as long as he did good, he should have eternal life. However, we know that there is nothing that we could ever do to gain salvation, but that it only comes when we follow Jesus. In this story when the young man was asked to give up all his possessions to follow Jesus, he walked away sad because he wanted worldly/outwardly wealth rather than the true and rich spiritual wealth that comes through Jesus. His answer was right in front of him, yet he didn’t accept it. Jesus was telling this to him out of love and he did not receive this love.