The
Rich Young Ruler
2002029
2365 (materialism)
Introduction:
A.
Jesus now out of
Galilee & in the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 19:1
1.
Met by large
crowds – healed many – 19:2
2.
Dealt w/questions
w/MDR. Concluding thoughts on this
in 19:12
3.
19:13-15 –
blesses little children that are brought to Him.
B.
Getting ready to
head for Jerusalem. Mk.
10:17. Just before they leave
Jesus is asked a question…what must I do to gain eternal life?
1.
Lk. 18:18 –
man is called a “ruler.”
a)
probably a ruler
of a synagogue.
b)
Probably had good
character & promising talents.
2.
Mk. 10:17 – he runs to Jesus. An indication of his earnestness &
anxiety.
a)
falls upon His
knees – indicates respect.
3.
Mt. 19:20 – called a young man. Some have speculated that he might have
been in the prime of life; but had retained something of the impetuousness of
youth.
C.
When we listen to his conversation with
Jesus – we might reveal some traits of his character…
1.
could have been impulsive.
2.
someone who was
quickly given to emotion.
3.
someone who acted
before thinking…
D.
Today, we will take a close look at the
conversation between our Lord and this man.
I. He
realized that Jesus is the impersonation of perfect goodness.
A.
Mk. 10:17; Lk. 18:18 – He addresses
Jesus as “good Master.”
1.
Note again,…Mark’s account tells us he
kneels before Jesus.
2.
asks Jesus what
he had to do to obtain eternal life.
B.
Someone has said
that the man was basically asking,…Good teacher, how may I be like you?
C.
Mk. 10:18 –
Jesus quickly answers – Why do you call me good?
1.
By calling Him good – it meant that
this man put Jesus on an even plane with God.
2.
Jesus wants to
know whether the man knew & believed that.
D.
Because Jesus IS on a plane with God –
He alone is good – b/c God is good.
1.
Js. 1:17 –
all men are subject to God. “All
crowns must lie at His throne.”
II. God’s law is the rule of goodness.
A.
Mk. 10:19 –
Jesus: You know the commandments…
1.
Matthew’s
account: if you wish to enter
into life…keep the commandments.
2.
This is the sober
truth.
3.
To keep the
commandments from a principle of living faith is undoubtedly the way to eternal
life.
4.
Those justified
through their faith must keep commandments before they can enter eternal life.
a)
1 Jhn. 3:22-24
b)
Jhn. 15:10, 14
B.
So Jesus says
– 10:19
1.
10:20 – to
which the man says…
2.
Mt. 19:20 – what am I still lacking?
3.
Note…he observed
the commandments in the letter.
4.
Commandments
listed here are identical in the 3 gospel accounts except that Mark adds do
not defraud and Matthew adds you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
C.
Here,…Jesus puts the moral law in the
foremost place.
1.
Some have said Jesus did this purposely as
to stress them over the laws of ritual, obedience. (Jews primarily concerned w/tradition & ritual)
2.
Matthew’s
account: you shall love your neighbor is a summary by Jesus.
a)
love
for God can only be demonstrated by love to neighbors/fellowman.
b)
1 Jhn. 4:20-21
c)
Been said, our light burns in love to God, but
it shines in love to our neighbor.
3.
Again, we focus upon the answer of the young
man.
D.
10:20 - I have
kept all these things from my youth up.
1.
“Master/Teacher”. Note.. this time without “good”. Some say he wasn’t so sure that he should equate Jesus with
God.
2.
Said he was
devoted to God from his youth.
a)
Jews
strict in observing the law.
b)
He had done so since childhood. Jews often did a good job in raising
children in the Jewish faith.
c)
Moses had commanded this – Deut. 6:4-9
d)
Timothy: 2 Tim. 2:5; 1 Tim. 2:5; 2 Tim. 3:15. No doubt Paul had been raised this way
– Phil. 3:6
3.
Think this man, upon approaching Jesus, is
sincere in his asking. I believe
he truly wanted to know.
E.
But…he had missed the spirit of the law.
1.
He was convinced that he still needed more.
2.
Yes…he thought he
was good & he thought he could do more good – if he was told what to
do.
a)
He had
lived an externally blameless life – but was not at peace.
b)
He wanted to achieve “complete” righteousness!
3.
He needed to see that while commandments are
to be kept – the motivation MUST be out of a love for God & a desire
to please Him!
a)
too
many try to serve God today just with cold, calculated law-keeping.
b)
1 Jhn. 2:5-6 – love for God is our
motivation! How do we serve God
today?
c)
A proper love for God will cause one to be willing
to sacrifice things in this life – willingly & happily!
d)
Our love for God must become supreme!
4.
Is there anything
in this life I would not give up for Christ?
III. The way of Christ is the way of goodness.
A.
Mk. 10:21 –
the answer of Jesus. Note Jesus
loved him.
1.
“lack” = you are not complete/finished.
2.
Sell all that you
possess. Follow me. Then you will have treasure in heaven.
B.
Reaction: 10:22
1.
unwilling at this time to part
w/possessions. Preferred earthly
treasure to heavenly treasure.
2.
McDonald: worldly men prefer hell over heaven;
Christians prefer heaven to earth.
C.
Note…Jesus promised eternal life & still
does.
1.
We must be motivated through our love/faith
in our obedience.
2.
THAT is the
spirit of the law!
D.
Note also: While Jesus promises eternal life
– He requires absolute submission!
1.
Sell all.
a)
literally
required of this man. Jesus
required a total disposal & depletion of the man’s wealth.
b)
Just because Christ loved Him – did not mean
his load would be lightened.
2.
if it comes down
to it – we must be willing to sell all! We must be willing to part with anything that might hinder
our salvation.
E.
10:22 - Finally…we see that those who refuse
submission accept sorrow.
1.
Wd. = stagnasas. Lit = “was rendered gloomy.”
a)
one can almost see the look on his
face. ASV: man’s countenance fell.
b)
Unable to rejoice
in the Lord & in his commandments.
2.
He could not bring himself to follow
Jesus. What an opportunity to
miss.
3.
All 3 gospel
accounts say his wealth was the reason He did not follow.
a)
LA Stauffer: treasure in heaven was not, in this
mans eyes, to be compared with treasures of earth, a covetousness that ever
abounds in the human head.
4.
How many reluctantly turn away from Jesus
because they cannot fully accept His teaching?
a)
and for what? A few good years of pleasure for an eternity of misery?
b)
Many are ruined
by the sins they commit with reluctance.
F.
Imagine the impression this exchange had
upon the apostles.
1.
Mk. 10:24-31
2.
Following Jesus
WILL cost us something!
3.
There are demands
placed upon us by the kingdom of Christ.
Conclusion:
A.
How are we keeping the commandments of God?
1.
What is our motivation?
2.
Is there anything
in our lives we are not willing to sacrifice for Christ?
3.
Mt. 6:19-21
B.
Are you willing to give yourself completely
to Christ?
C.
If not, why not?
D.
I N V I T A T I O
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