Matthew 19-20

Matthew 19-20

A few days ago I wrote on Luke 14-15 and discussed the theme of humility throughout those two chapters.

Here in Matthew 19 and 20 we find this theme of humility recur again.  For some reason this seems to be an important thing that Jesus is trying to get through to his audience; which happened to be the disciples, the poor, the wealthy, and the religious leaders of the day.

When you really think about it, every group of people has some reason to be prideful:

• As the religious leaders of the day, the Pharisees were a very arrogant and wealthy people.  They considered themselves the experts in all things "Jewish".  They tried to uphold the Old Testament Laws as best as possible, but many became corrupt and greedy. Their pride grew out of being some of the wealthiest and most knowledgeable people on the Law.  

• We see Jesus have an encounter with a man of great wealth in chapter 19.  This man has devoted his life to the religious laws and has upheld them all.  But Jesus challenges him to give away all he has, and the man walks away sad, because deep down he knows that he loves his possessions more than following Jesus.  His pride and identity was rooted in his wealth.

• Often times when you think of poor people you don't usually think of prideful.  But, it can happen.  Their pride could be found in not being corrupt, evil people like the Pharisees.  Or not being a wealthy person that only thinks of himself (remember Jesus just said in ch. 19 that it is more difficult for a wealthy person to enter then Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle), it would be easy for a poor person to hear that and think, "well at least I don't have that problem, I can get into the Kingdom of God).  

• Finally the Disciples of Jesus were becoming somewhat of a celebrity.  People were flocking to hear them speak or see them work miracles.  They had to be very careful to not let pride creep into their lives and seek glory for themselves.  

As we read through some of this issues that the people may have had and their struggle with pride, perhaps there was something that resonated with you and I and how we are prideful.  I know that there have been times in my life where all of these things may apply.  I have personally felt all of the aforementioned emotions at one time or another, and it is something that I have had to give to God.

It is important to always seek out Jesus in every situation of your life and give him the glory.  No matter how great or how holy you may be at this time, it is all because Jesus paid it all.  Make sure to stay humble and remember who the real King of Glory is.