Letter 008 — The Story: He Went Away Sorrowful (Matthew 5 + Matthew 19)

A rich young ruler came running. He knelt in the dirt. He had done everything right, and he still felt like something was missing. What Jesus said next broke him open.In this letter- The story of the rich young ruler from Matthew 19:16-22- Why he came running, and what he was actually asking- Jesus's two moves — pushing back on good, then exposing what the man could not put down- Why this story is Matthew 5:3 in reverse — a portrait of a man with hands too full to receive the kingdom- The disciples' question and Jesus's answer — with God all things are possible- An invitation for anyone who has ever felt like the rich young rulerScripture- Matthew 19:16-22- Matthew 19:23-26- Matthew 5:3Greek word studies- ptōchós (πτωχός, Strong's G4434) — beggar, crushed by poverty, bent over, empty-handed. The word Jesus uses in Matthew 5:3 for the spiritually empty-handed.Coming tomorrow | The Address. Where Matthew 5 rubs against modern life.> There'll be more mail tomorrow.Join me at hanksbiblestudy.com for more bible studies, devotionals, and resources to help strengthen your faith.Support Letters From Home at https://buymeacoffee.com/lettersfromhome