Poor Little Rich Man
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" the man enquired. Jesus replied, "`Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honour your father and mother,’ and `love your neighbour as yourself.’" 20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23 ¶ Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" 26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 27 Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" 28 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Mt. 19:16-29 (NIV)
1- Most people are looking for something to do in order to have "eternal life".
2- God is more interested in our "being" than our doing.
3- This in no way demeans the need for action.
What did Jesus tell this “young man” to do?
1- Jesus Called Him To Complete Separation.
1. Sanctification. [Minimum Standard for all God’s Children]
2. Worship.
3. Bible.
4. Prayer.
5. Fellowship.
6. Witness.
2- Jesus Called Him To Be an Unreserved Giver.
1. Commanded. (Lk. 6:38; Mal. 3)
2. This is how ministry is accomplished!!!
3- Jesus Called Him To Unquestioned Service.
1. Requires the new currency = TIME.
2. It is God’s will for your life to make a difference!!!
Jesus Also Promised Him Several Things.
1- God Could Make Salvation Possible.
2- That God Will Bless All of Those Who Accept His Invitation.
3- That Some Will Be First & Some Will Be Last. [Surprising]
Question: Will YOU accept the challenge or go away sad, like this rich young man?
