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Jesus and Our Life
May 24, 2014

Last week we learned that Jesus grew in wisdom and astonished many. As the Holy Spirit works in us, we are reminded of our life, eternal life, and our relationship with Jesus. Closely related to wisdom is understanding, and understanding can lead to an abundant life.

Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

Just like a wellspring provides much water, understanding provides life and lots of it. The scriptures are a wealth of knowledge and the Bible can be read, and read again and each time something new can be considered by the reader. There are those who are diligent in reading and studying the Bible, and reading and studying the Bible is essential for Christians. But for some, it seems like all they do is read and study the Bible. Consider what Jesus said about the downside to this practice.

 John 5:39-40
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

There are those who are so diligent in reading and studying the Bible that they forget that it is through Jesus and not the Bible that we have eternal life, and during his ministry on earth, Jesus encountered a rich person like this.

Matthew 19:16-22
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Some look at this passage to preach a marxist theology. Some ministers will use this same passage to give a guilt trip to their congregation. Jesus used a powerful example that a rich person could relate to, and if all we see is to give everything to the poor, we will miss the bigger concept. The bigger concept being taught is it is more important to act on our knowledge than to only have knowledge, and to use our actions in a way that provide a benefit beyond just ourselves. When we obey the scriptures, we do benefit ourselves. And if all we have is a selfish focus, we lose sight for the reason of our calling.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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