Stuff

Matt. 16:26

​    What is the most expensive thing you own? What is the most valuable thing you own? Is that answer the same or different? The older we get in life the more stuff we all accumulate and over time we get a lot of stuff. I would say that for most people the answer for the first two questions is the same. For many the answers are different but still revolve around stuff. What should a Christian’s answer be? The most valuable thing by far in the world is the soul. There is nothing in this life that is worth our soul (Matt. 16:26). In the context of Matthew 16:26 the apostles just got through answer the question “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matt. 16:13). After learning the implications of Jesus being the Son of God, Jesus tells them to not tell anyone. He then tells them in verse 21 God’s plan for the redemption of man. After Peter hears that Jesus is going to be killed and raised again on the third day, he told Jesus “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” (vs. 22). Jesus then rebuked him and called him Satan! He tells Peter that his mind is on earthly things and not on God’s interest. It is possible that Peter was concerned about losing his friend. Then the great lesson on the cost of discipleship comes. Jesus tells us that we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (vs. 24). He then tells us to find our lives we must lose them! (vs. 25) If we want eternal life in Jesus we have to give up what we want, whether it be a big house, a car, ungodly friends, or anything that gets in the way of our service to Jesus. The possibilities are literally endless. Eternal life comes at a high price. Jesus Died so that we might have a chance to gain it (Rom. 5:6-10). But we have to give ourselves up and take up our cross daily and follow him (Luke 14:26). It’s time to crucify what you want and truly live for Jesus and Jesus alone. Absolutely nothing on this earth is worth your eternal soul (vs. 26). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley