Jesus and the Open Heart - Part 2 - 10 April 2026

·19 min·1 clip

Jesus told a wealthy young ruler to sell everything and follow him—what specific thing is holding you back from that same command?

This episode is part two of 'Jesus and the Open Heart' on 'A New Beginning with Greg Laurie.' Pastor Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, teaches from Luke chapter 18, focusing on two movements: children coming to Jesus and the rich young ruler's encounter. He begins by noting that Jesus wants to be first priority in our lives, not just our offerings or attendance. The children exemplify coming to God with complete helplessness and honesty, as Jesus says adults must become like children to enter God's kingdom. The rich young ruler, however, represents a closed heart. Laurie details how this wealthy, religious leader asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, claiming to have kept all commandments since youth. Jesus responds by telling him to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow him, causing the man to walk away sad—the only person in the Gospels to do so after meeting Jesus. Laurie analyzes why Jesus made this unique demand: he identified money as the man's god, citing the commandment against coveting. He clarifies that the Bible says the love of money, not money itself, is the root of all kinds of evil. The message emphasizes that Jesus's command was specific to this individual's spiritual blockage; to others, he might say to break off a harmful relationship or lifestyle. Laurie contrasts the ruler with the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8, who heard the gospel from Philip and went away rejoicing after baptism. He concludes that the offer of forgiveness is worth any cost, trading emptiness for fulfillment and hell for heaven. The episode ends with a prayer for salvation and information about a New Believers Growth Pack available by phone. A promo teases next week's episode about failure and second chances.

As heard by us

Jesus turns wealth, desire, and obedience into a hard, clear mirror.

Pastor Greg Laurie keeps the focus on the rich young ruler and on a single question: what stands between a person and the Lord? He connects Jesus' call to sell everything and follow him to ordinary life decisions, including a relationship that should end, one that is pulling…

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Why you'd press play

When Jesus asks what is holding you back, this one does not blink for long.

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