Matthew 19:16 - And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

In Matthew 19:16, a man approached Jesus and asked what good deed he must do to have eternal life. Jesus responded by telling him to keep the commandments, specifically mentioning not killing, committing adultery, stealing, and bearing false witness. The man claimed to have kept all these commandments, but Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him if he wanted to be perfect. This passage teaches us that eternal life is not earned through good deeds alone, but through a genuine heart transformation and a willingness to follow Jesus.

This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and motives. Are we simply going through the motions of religious activities, or do we truly have a deep love for God and others? Jesus emphasized the importance of loving our neighbors and caring for the less fortunate. It's not enough to just avoid doing wrong; we are called to actively do good and make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. This requires selflessness and a willingness to let go of our attachments to material possessions. As followers of Christ, we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, shining God's love and truth in everything we do.

Dear God, thank you for the teachings of Jesus and the reminder that eternal life is not earned through our own efforts, but through a genuine relationship with You. Help us to examine our hearts and motives, and to let go of anything that hinders us from fully following You. Give us a heart of compassion for others and a willingness to serve and love them as You have loved us. May our lives be a reflection of Your light and truth, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, amen.