Ruling with or attempting to rule over Jesus?

Rich. Young. Ruler.

Stop for a moment and read Matthew 19:16-30.

Now, Luke 18:18 tells us this man is a ruler. Matthew 19:20 and 22 tells us he is young and rich. When Jesus told the man what in particular was stopping the young man from following Him, Matthew 19:22 says "he went away sorrowful."

Then, Peter notes that he and other followers have "...left everything and followed you." Then, Peter boldly asks, "What then will we have?" (see Matthew 19:27) Good question. It's worth noting that Jesus doesn't chastise Peter; rather, He simply answers the question. (more on that in a minute)

If my wife were typing this, she'd say, "That young man walked away, but we don't know what happened later on. Maybe we'll see him in heaven!" (She's an optimist, but she's also not wrong.)

Here's the thing... Jesus confronts people. That's what He does. He wants better for us than we have the sense to want for ourselves. When Jesus confronts us, it's always going to be to (1) get at our core issue -- or issues -- that (2) keep us from following Him, and (3) so that God can shape us into the image of His beloved Son.

When we turn away, it's often supremely shortsighted. Remember, this man was (a) rich, (b) young, and (c) a ruler. Don't miss those details. Now, go back and look at the passage -- particularly Matthew 19:28-30. Jesus answers Peter by saying they will rule with Him (ruler), have a great inheritance (rich), and have eternal life (which speaks to young).

Then, Master Teacher that He is, the Lord Jesus juxtaposes the reality of pursuit and reward verses the attitude and posture in said pursuit. Jesus said, "But many who are first will be last, and the last first." (Matthew 19:30 ESV)

Be humble. Be a servant. Be willing to put others first.

Don't consider what you will lose in the short term without thinking of Who you will gain immediately and all that He will give you in the long term.

Let us not miss the great stuff because we are gleefully making mud pies.