Betting The Farm On Jesus
Part 72 - Luke 18:18-34 (ESV) - Pastor Tim Kroeker
2 Corinthians 5:15:
“…and he (Jesus) died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
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To "bet on something" means to wager something or stake something on the outcome of an uncertain event. Farmers have been out in the fields planting. They’re betting on a good harvest so they can pay for the seed, fertilizer, and equipment with hopefully some money left over to feed their family. You might be betting your retirement income on the stock market going up. Dad would joke with us kids that we were his retirement plan. He’s betting that we’ll take care of him in his old age. Maybe you put off doing yard work this weekend betting that it won’t rain when you finally get around to it later.
Have you ever made a bad bet?
Continuing in our salvation story we read that a rich ruler came to Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. This knowledgeable, religiously observant man was betting on his good works but Jesus hit him where it hurt; his wealth. Jesus always requires from us just that one earthly security upon which we might lean, that one thing that keeps us from following Him.
The one who gives up everything and follows Jesus is the one who will be saved. To give up everything in this life to gain access to the blessings of His kingdom is the greatest wealth imaginable. It’s the best bet anyone could ever make.
