October 27, 2026

Scriptures: Matthew 19, Mark 10:1–31, Luke 16:1–18:30 |

These chapters bring Jesus into conversations about marriage, money, forgiveness, prayer, children, and eternal life. The subjects change, but the question underneath them is similar: what truly has our hearts? Jesus consistently moves beyond outward obedience and exposes the loyalties underneath it. Grace is found in Jesus caring enough to confront the things we may be tempted to hide behind respectable behavior.

That becomes especially clear when a wealthy young man asks what he must do to inherit eternal life…and it makes sense because He has kept the commandments and lived an impressive life. But Jesus identifies the one thing he cannot imagine surrendering: his wealth. The problem is not simply that he owns wealth…it’s that his wealth owns part of him. He walks away sad because following Jesus would require releasing the thing in which he has placed his security.

Luke repeatedly makes the same point from different directions. A dishonest manager forces us to consider how we use temporary resources. A rich man ignores Lazarus suffering outside his gate. A persistent widow keeps seeking justice, while a tax collector simply cries, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.” Jesus continually overturns our instincts about who is secure, righteous, successful, or important in God's Kingdom!

Children come with nothing to prove, while the rich ruler arrives with accomplishments to list. Jesus receives the children and challenges the ruler. Following Him requires open hands. We cannot receive the Kingdom while desperately clutching whatever gives us identity, control, status, or security apart from Him.

Challenge Questions:

What would be hardest for you to surrender if Jesus placed His finger on it today?

When you approach God, are you more likely to come with something to prove or simply aware of how much you need His mercy?