Would You Do It?

A Journey With Matthew  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Introduction:
Pledge
Passage
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of
heaven.
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom
of God.”
25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”
28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you
who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake,
will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Title: WOULD YOU DO IT?

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 1837 Dish-Washing for God

In the last year of his life, an elderly man in his seventies worked as a dish washer in the Life Line Mission, on the San Francisco waterfront.

When he died, he bequeathed $150,000 to the mission which shelters destitute men and $128,000 to Messiah College in Pennsylvania.

Announcements of the unusual bequest came on Christmas Eve, when a check for $110,000 arrived on the Messiah College campus, with information that $18,000 would come later.

Dr. Ray Hostetler, president of the college knew the identity of the benefactor but respected his wish to remain anonymous.

President Hostetler said, “He apparently worked for years and saved almost every nickel he earned to invest in the stock market. The money will be used to build a kitchen in the New Eisenhower Student Center on the Grantham campus in honor of the memory of an old man who spent much time in working in the kitchen of a mission—washing dishes.”

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 5219 Epigram on Sacrifice

Jim Elliot, martyr: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 5646 Shackleton’s Advertisement

The following ad occurred in a London newspaper: “Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” The ad was signed by Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer. Thousands responded instantly to the call. They were ready to sacrifice all for the elation of adventure and uncertain honor. Should God’s children do less.

Sacrifice is not a popular subject in the church today.
We love the idea that Christ has something for us: (Salvation, Forgiveness, Comfort, power, wisdom)
He sacrificed for us!
But when it comes to us sacrificing for Christ ..... Well!!!!!!!!
Segway:
Today we will be wrapping up Chapter 19 of the Book of Matthew.
Let me remind us of what this chapter was all about: The “extraordinary” entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.
It might be more clear if we stated it like this: Extraordinary Requirements to be a Kingdom Resident?
If you remember what Jesus has been revealing to the people (Pharisees, Disciples, and the Crowd) its all about being a Kingdom Resident.
The first thing Jesus revealed was this idea of having a “Tender Heart” (Vs 8)
They asked “why did Moses give a certificate of Divorce” Jesus said, “Because of you Hardness of Heart.”
The second thing Jesus revealed came from the idea of being Childlike
It was to be totally “dependent on Christ.” (Vs 13-15)
The third thing Jesus revealed was to be “Humble.” (Vs 13-15)
Never met a prideful Baby.
The fourth thing Jesus revealed was to be “perfect.” (Vs 21)
Fully Developed in a Moral Sense.
Don’t let possession get in the way of your walk with Christ.
This brings us to this passage of scripture today.
Body:
Before we get to the next requirement to being a Kingdom resident let’s look at whats taking place in this pericope.
We have just witnessed one of the most heartbreaking things a believe can witness: The Rich young ruler walking away from an invitation from Christ.
As followers of Christ, this should break our hearts!
Jesus, then , takes this moment to teach his disciples.
He states, “ only with difficulty will a rich person enter the Kingdom of heaven.” (Vs 23)
What’s interesting about this is its not a conclusive statement.
Meaning a Rich person will NEVER enter the KOH.
It meaning it will be difficult!
(Vs 24) “Again I tell you ....”
He then repeats his thought on the subject by stating the same thing but in a different way.
“..... it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
Its a humorous Hyperbole
Jesus is helping explain what the Disciples had just witnessed with this Rich young man.
This becomes very disturbing to the disciples.
As a matter of fact scripture tells us they were “greatly astonished
the word “greatly” - a very high point on a scale
the word “astonished” - overwhelmed by amazement
To the point of being unable to speak
Like the feel of trying to explain the Grand Canyon “You can’t”
But somehow they collectively are able to muster up a question, “Who then can be saved?”
Now, at first, this appears like a foolish questions because the Disciples were anything but RICH.
So why would they be concerned about this rich guy?
The disciples were “Greatly Astonished” standing there with their mouths wide open ..... WHY?
We need to first understand the view of RICH people in that day by others.
What was believed in that day and time was that the rich (with their many material things, along with money) was considered blessed (highly favored) by God.
The disciples were greatly concerned because if those who are usually viewed as most blessed by God are so unlikely to make it into the kingdom, who in the world stands a chance.
But look what Jesus says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Vs 26)
Let me just say this, “Aren’t you glad we serve a God that with Him ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE?”
Starting in Vs 27 is where I want focus our attention on this morning.
What we read is Peter stepping into the spot light and asking a question, “We have left everything and followed you, WHAT THEN WILL WE HAVE?
Peter is referencing back to vs 21 (Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”)
Again, the people of this day believed material possessions were a blessing.
So Peter is asking what will we have?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Jesus breaks this into 2 parts:
The first part is found in Vs 28. This verse focuses in on JUST the disciples.
I am not going to address this verse.
What I want to focus in on is Vs 29.
This verse references the totality of believers (EVERYONE).
This is referencing the” Kingdom Resident”
What Peter laid out in Vs 27 (We have left everything, What will we have?) is now spoken about in Vs 29.
Look what it says, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”
Let’s breakdown this statement .....
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
And Everyone” - Not just some, not just the rich, not just the Jews ...... EVERYONE!
Who has left “Everything” -
The New American Commentary: Matthew 1. True Discipleship versus Harsher Condemnation for the Jewish Leaders (19:1–22:46)

The “hundredfold” compensation (recall 13:8) for everything abandoned, particularly family and home, envisages an eternal family and dwelling place unspeakably more wonderful than anything this earth has to offer

From Material things (Houses, Land)
Shelly and I left a home we owned in Worthington WV.
This is what the Disciples experienced.
To Personal relationships (Family)
We left our entire Family (Mother, Father, sisters, Brother, Children)
All of this could be asked by God because of the calling he has on your life.
The reason the disciples were confused was because they HAD left everything behind. Sacrificed EVERYTHING!
They were wondering what will they receive?
will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” -

All losses of this kind will be wonderfully compensated for in the eschatological blessing to be enjoyed by disciples of Jesus. But the greatest blessing of all will be the inheritance of eternal life

This, again is a Hyperbole.
The “hundredfold” compensation for everything abandoned, particularly family and home, envisions an eternal family and dwelling place unspeakably more wonderful than anything this earth has to offer.
All losses of this kind will be wonderfully compensated for in the eschatological blessing to be enjoyed by disciples of Jesus.
But the greatest blessing of all will be the inheritance of eternal life.
Climax:
This is what a Kingdom resident looks like!
Someone with a tendered Heart
Someone who is totally dependent on Christ
Someone who is Humble
Someone who is Perfect - Fully Developed in a Moral Sense
And what we have learned today is ....
Someone who Sacrifices.
Jesus is not calling people away from everything that makes life enjoyable.
He is calling them to make sacrifices indeed, but to make sacrifices in a worthwhile cause, and one that in the end will bring a rich reward.
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 5189 Livingstone Thinks It No Sacrifice

“People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of the great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own reward of healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter?

“Away with such a word, such a view, and such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering or danger now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father’s throne on high to give Himself for us.”

—David Livingstone

“People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of the great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own reward of healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter?
“Away with such a word, such a view, and such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering or danger now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father’s throne on high to give Himself for us.”
—David Livingstone
When James Calvert went out to cannibal Fiji with the message of the Gospel, the captain of the ship in which he traveled sought to dissuade him. “You will risk your life and all those with you if you go among such savages,” he said. Calvert’s magnificent reply was, “We died before we came here.” And yet he would have been the last to talk about a sacrifice; it was not a life of sacrifice, but of real pleasure.
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 5185 “We Already Died”

When James Calvert went out to cannibal Fiji with the message of the Gospel, the captain of the ship in which he traveled sought to dissuade him. “You will risk your life and all those with you if you go among such savages,” he said. Calvert’s magnificent reply was, “We died before we came here.” And yet he would have been the last to talk about a sacrifice; it was not a life of sacrifice, but of real pleasure.

Conclusion:
What if I told you this morning, God want you to sacrifice your plans today.
When James Calvert went out to cannibal Fiji with the message of the Gospel, the captain of the ship in which he traveled sought to dissuade him. “You will risk your life and all those with you if you go among such savages,” he said. Calvert’s magnificent reply was, “We died before we came here.” And yet he would have been the last to talk about a sacrifice; it was not a life of sacrifice, but of real pleasure.
He wants you to instead of going out to eat today go to a friends house and visit with them. NOW!
WOULD YOU DO IT?
What if he told you to instead of buying that new (Whatever) he wants you to give that money to the church, to a friend who is having financial hardship, to a needy cause?
WOULD YOU DO IT?
What if he told you he wants you to stop doing something in your life that you like (Love) doing.
WOULD YOU DO IT?
What if visiting that friend today would be the very thing that brings them to a personal relationship with Christ?
What if that money you released to be used by God helped a person to come to personal relationship with Christ?
What if what you stop doing caused you to draw closer to Christ in a way you never dreamed possible?
Or better yet caused someone else to see Christ through you in a new way?
ARE YOU WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR CHRIST?
I wonder if this speaks to someone of us today. I know it does me.
If so, lets come and spend some time at the altar talking with Jesus about it. AMEN?
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