Sermon audio is available here.

I.  Introduction
    A.  I have heard of a husband/wife difference in perceptions related to gift-giving.
    B.  Husbands have a tendency to focus on one great gift.
        1.  One the expresses greatness in worth
        2.  The gift becomes a “milestone” to us.
    C.  However, wives are often happier when they receive more small gifts.
        1.  Each gift is a thought
        2.  They appreciate being thought of often.
    D.  There seems to be a spiritual corollary to this, as well.
        1.  Our relationship with God is one of devotion. (1 John 4:19)
        2.  Because of human nature, we tend to view our need to give, serve God inadequately
        3.  The rich young ruler’s idea of offering to God. (Matt. 19:16,ff)
II.  The “rich young ruler” was looking for the “great” thing he could do.
     A.  “What good deed must I do…”
         1.  He came to Jesus to get a gift idea for God
         2.  He isn’t alone in thinking along these lines.
     B.  Some have the “milestone” notion of service to God
         1.  Something they look forward to someday doing. (Mark 14:29-31)
         2.  Something they feel they can look back on. (Matt. 7:23)
III. Jesus pointed to the small things that must be done in our relationship with God.
      A.  “Keep the commandments”
          1.  Jesus first calls attention to the small, day-by-day things that must be observed.
          2.  These are small acts of selfless devotion.
      B.  Most of what Jesus calls for us to do are small things.
          1.  The commandments.
          2.  Others, peculiarly small, but difficult deeds. (Matthew 5:38-45)
      C.  Small things show our devotion to God
          1.  By doing these small things, we are imitating our Father.
          2.  God does countless imperceptible, small things because of His love for us. (Matt. 5:46-48)
      D.  Even the small things become big things when done for Jesus
          1.  Jesus notices those small deeds done for Him. (Matt. 12:42-44; Matt. 26:7,ff)
          2.  Jesus rewards those things (Matt. 25:34,ff; 25:21)
IV.  There is a great thing that must be done, as well.
     A.  In his own eyes, the rich man had taken care of the small things.
     B.  But Jesus calls him to a great offering, as well as to the small things.
          1.  He doesn’t give him some great deed that will earn life.
          2.  On the contrary, he calls for the rich man to do what He calls you and me to do.
          3.  He calls us to join Him in dying. (Matt. 16:24)
     C.  Jesus gives him a directive consisting of five verbs
          1.  Go, Sell, Give, Come, Follow
          2.  These comprise a great, self-emptying act that truly shows devotion.
          3.  So do these: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be Baptized
     D.  For some, that is too big an offering. It is giving up too much.
V.  Conclusion
     A.  Are you doing the small things in your life that show your devotion to God?
     B.  Have you done the great thing you must do to be His child?