Wednesday, February 24



Luke 18:22-23
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing.  Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”  When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.


Reflection
This passage teaches us a sad fact.  Some people can see and understand the demonstration of what it means to follow Jesus and they know what they need to do but they cannot bring themselves to do it.  Even Jesus demonstrating the way that needs to be taken to follow him did not reach everyone.

One of the things we must realize as we go to make disciples is that not everyone will respond.  No matter how well we demonstrate the life of Jesus through our lives there will be some people who will choose another way. 

What should be our response?  We should pray for them but we have to allow them to make their choice.  Notice that Jesus did not run after this man when he decided not to follow Jesus.  Jesus allowed him to make his choice and we need to do the same thing.

Think about a time when someone you tried to influence for the gospel chose a different way.  How did that make you feel?  How did you respond?