Help with Matthew 19:21 PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

[Michael]

Matthew 19:21
"If you want to give it all you've got," Jesus replied, "go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me."
Matthew 19:20-22 (in Context) Matthew 19 (Whole Chapter)


Will somebody with extensive knowledge of the Bible PLEASE tell me why I should NOT follow this passage literally?

I am on the verge of selling my car (the only real possession I have) and using it to pay off credit card debt (I learned the hard way and I do not intend to use one EVER again) and to sponsor myself on a short term mission. My father said not to sell it because it was a gift from my grandmother (now too old to drive...and who has enough to live comfortably already). I am supposed to honor my father, but maybe obeying his commands aren't always necessarily honoring him. If I use the money I would get form the car (I assume about 5-6 thousand) I could honor my debts (A Christian must, right?) AND sponsor myself on a mission. Besides, don't God's commands trump my dad's anyday?

I know the verse I pasted here also says to GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE POOR, but doesn't my being in debt require me to repay what I owe first? If not let me know. Thanks.

[Chris]

Michael,
Here is a good article talking about the Matthew 19:21 passage and a little context, too. I hope it helps. :)

http://www.gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/just-faith-or-faith-plus-works

[watchman]

Matthew 19:21
"If you want to give it all you've got," Jesus replied, "go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me."
Matthew 19:20-22 (in Context) Matthew 19 (Whole Chapter)


Will somebody with extensive knowledge of the Bible PLEASE tell me why I should NOT follow this passage literally?

I am on the verge of selling my car (the only real possession I have) and using it to pay off credit card debt (I learned the hard way and I do not intend to use one EVER again) and to sponsor myself on a short term mission. My father said not to sell it because it was a gift from my grandmother (now too old to drive...and who has enough to live comfortably already). I am supposed to honor my father, but maybe obeying his commands aren't always necessarily honoring him. If I use the money I would get form the car (I assume about 5-6 thousand) I could honor my debts (A Christian must, right?) AND sponsor myself on a mission. Besides, don't God's commands trump my dad's anyday?

I know the verse I pasted here also says to GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE POOR, but doesn't my being in debt require me to repay what I owe first? If not let me know. Thanks.


Because Messiah was calling the man's bluff.
The man was paying lip service to the ministry and teachings that he heard Messiah teaching to others.

The man wanted the "quick fix" to be told what he wanted to hear, "You are a blessed son of Abraham, and please join my movement, I would be happy to have someone as yourself with me!"

But that is not what Messiah said, he looked into the heart and then told the man, you divest of all that is important to you, then we can talk, but until then, it is your G-d (master of your life), and as the story show, the rich young man went away disapointed...


Find a way to work out your debt, keep the car as it is not a hindrance to your walk.

Do not be deceived at a young age into thinking you can do "things" to please G-d, it is when your are right with G-d that the things you do please Him, usually we get it backward.

G-d is the author of order, and everything done in it's correct order brings life and blessing, done out of order it brings troubles.

Keep your eye on Him, your heart on His Word and let Him direct your steps.


Imagine for a moment you sell the car, (disappoint your dad) pay off the debt, go into this mission field and later find that you were hearing your own "calling" and not G-d. How do you "unhurt" your dad?

If you had a clear mandate from G-d and disobeyed to please your dad, that would be another thing entirely.

I am a father and if I tell my daughter to wait until I pick her up from somewhere, but I am delayed (and unable to contact her) and send a known friend to pick her up and she will not go with that person, I would not be angry with her, for she does that which is more "correct" (never go with anyone without prior approval from your parents).

Even though it causes some confusion or embarrassment to the friend, me daughter would be showing respect for my will.

G-d is like that, if He tells you something, but you are not sure, He can wait on you or make it more clear. Being concerned shows you are not in rebellion.

Outright disobedience is another thing entirely and you will know if you are in rebellion, (but you won't care).

I truly hope this helps.

Most of all, pray for G-d to reveal His will for you, and may He show you clearly!!!

[Michael]

Thank you both for your responses. They both help A LOT. I knew I would get good answers here. You guys are 100% so far. Ha!:panic

[AnotherOldGuy]

Will somebody with extensive knowledge of the Bible PLEASE tell me why I should NOT follow this passage literally?
You should IF that's what the Lord is telling you to do.

[Michael]

You should IF that's what the Lord is telling you to do.

Wait... Really?

This brings up another point i do not understand: Context.

I mean, I know what "context" is, but I have trouble understanding whether we are to apply everything Jesus taught in our own lives (hence, my original post) or if we are to keep its applications in seperate standing.

I wish somebody would make an account of Jesus' words (for simple people like myself) and label them as direct, timeless commands to each and every reader or as meant only for His audience at that specific time.

[AnotherOldGuy]

I mean, I know what "context" is, but I have trouble understanding whether we are to apply everything Jesus taught in our own lives (hence, my original post) or if we are to keep its applications in seperate standing.
When you read, note 1) who He is talking to 2) Is it a concept that is repeated elsewhere

His command to the ruler was to a single person and it is not repeated as a requirement for salvation. For him, it was a test of obedience. Did he recognize the authority of Christ. That is the requirement for everyone.

[Michael]

When you read, note 1) who He is talking to 2) Is it a concept that is repeated elsewhere

His command to the ruler was to a single person and it is not repeated as a requirement for salvation. For him, it was a test of obedience. Did he recognize the authority of Christ. That is the requirement for everyone.

Thank you AOG. So, the authority of Christ, in this situation, is for the man to sell all and give it to the poor. If he had done so, he would have been granted eternal life. (I think)

Well, does that mean that his salvation depended upon his doing a work?

I am not trying to be argumentative. And, I DO believe in faith alone, but I must really be dense on this passage. I admit it. Now that I have admtted that, please fill me in again. Thanks. :)

[watchman]

Wait... Really?

This brings up another point i do not understand: Context.

I mean, I know what "context" is, but I have trouble understanding whether we are to apply everything Jesus taught in our own lives (hence, my original post) or if we are to keep its applications in seperate standing.

I wish somebody would make an account of Jesus' words (for simple people like myself) and label them as direct, timeless commands to each and every reader or as meant only for His audience at that specific time.


He did. (well, sort of...)

Matthew 22:34-40

34But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

35Then one of them, which was a lawyer(a Rabbi), asked him a question, tempting(testing) him, and saying,


36Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the L-rd thy G-d with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38This is the first and great commandment.

39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Use this as your moral compass, read and re-read how Messiah interacted with people and you will learn that your motive drives your actions.

Prayer and communion with G-d aligns your motive with His will, then it becomes clear.

G-d makes some things more clear than others, and seems (to me anyway) to leave the unclear things as the time for testing me, and as a result, teaching me.

Usually these lessons result in the stripping away of self, and things of this world that I would like to lean on are keep close.

In the long run I find it is better.

It is much like exercise, no pain no gain, and in order to build spiritual muscle, you have to loose spiritual fat.

It is a process and each of us must learn most of this on our own (well, with G-d anyway) but as Paul says, (paraphrasing) ..."run toward the finish line without looking back, press on and finish the race..." don't concern yourself with any other person in the race, only your place, one step at a time.

You will be fine.

[Michael]

He did. (well, sort of...)

Matthew 22:34-40

34But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

35Then one of them, which was a lawyer(a Rabbi), asked him a question, tempting(testing) him, and saying,


36Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the L-rd thy G-d with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38This is the first and great commandment.

39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Use this as your moral compass, read and re-read how Messiah interacted with people and you will learn that your motive drives your actions.

Prayer and communion with G-d aligns your motive with His will, then it becomes clear.

G-d makes some things more clear than others, and seems (to me anyway) to leave the unclear things as the time for testing me, and as a result, teaching me.

Usually these lessons result in the stripping away of self, and things of this world that I would like to lean on are keep close.

In the long run I find it is better.

It is much like exercise, no pain no gain, and in order to build spiritual muscle, you have to loose spiritual fat.

It is a process and each of us must learn most of this on our own (well, with G-d anyway) but as Paul says, (paraphrasing) ..."run toward the finish line without looking back, press on and finish the race..." don't concern yourself with any other person in the race, only your place, one step at a time.

You will be fine.

Thanks. I needed a good ol' back-to-the-basics kick in the pants. Ha!:doh