Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

Have you ever paused to imagine what your conversation with God will be like on the final day?

If you’re trusting in Jesus, the answer might feel obvious. But for the rich young ruler in today’s passage, it wasn’t so simple. This was a man who had everything — wealth, morality, status — and yet still sensed something was missing.

Jesus, full of kindness and clarity, sees through his external obedience. He knew the young man’s heart was still tethered to his wealth. And so, with love, Jesus issued an invitation: Let it go. Come follow me.

For many of the early Jewish Christians, the temptation was to rely on their lineage — on Abraham’s faith, not their own. And today, we’re tempted by similar things: family history, good behaviour, even our ministry involvement.

As someone who grew up in the church — with a dad as a pastor — there’s a part of me that instinctively wants to add that to my spiritual resumé. Surely that counts for something? But Jesus is clear: eternal life comes through Him alone. Full stop. No additions, no footnotes.

Today, ponder this:

Ask God, “What am I tempted to trust in besides You?” Success? Stability? Money? Morality? Ministry? Maybe it’s a relationship, a reputation, or a sense of control. Jesus doesn’t shame us for the things we cling to — but He does lovingly ask us to surrender them.

Write down the one thing that came to mind. In prayer, surrender it to God. Ask Him to remind you of the sufficiency of Christ — again and again.