The Rich Young Man

The Rich Young Man

Following the Servant

Mark 10:17-31

 

In the last section (verses 13-16) Jesus told his disciples that unless they received the kingdom of God like a little child, they could never enter it (v. 15).  In other words, dependence is necessary for being saved.  The rich young man in this passage is the opposite of a helpless dependent child.  Matthew said he had “great wealth” (Matthew 19:22), and Luke identifies him as a “ruler” (Luke 18:18). What Jesus communicates to him is that while following Jesus may involve great personal cost, it always results in great eternal gain. 

 

1. Go to Jesus for THE ANSWER (vv. 17-22)

 

According to these verses in Mark and also Matthew 19

and Luke 18, this guy is pretty impressive:

• Healthy – “he ran to Jesus” (v. 17)
• Wealthy – “had great possessions” (v. 22)
• Young (Matthew 19:22)
• Powerful (Luke 18:18)
• Humble – “fell on his knees” (v. 17)
• Persistent – literally “kept asking” (v. 17)
• Respectful – refers to Jesus as “Good Teacher” (v. 17)
• Unsatisfied – he knew he was missing something (v. 17)
• Determined – “what must I do?” (v. 17)
• Eternity-focused – inquired about eternal life (v. 17)

 

 

2 Corinthians 8:9

 

Jesus is the ULTIMATE Rich Young Ruler “Now, you need to give away yours to get me.”

 

 

The life of God and life with God is referred to in different ways:

• “eternal life” (v. 17)
• “having treasure in heaven” (v. 21)
• “entering the kingdom of God” (vv. 23, 25)
• “enjoying the age to come” (v. 30)

 

Ephesians 2:8,

 

John 3:16

 

2 Corinthians 10:12

 

We do things externally that keep the law (or look Christian), but God sees the MOTIVATION of our heart for every action. 

 

Romans 3:10

 

Philippians 3:6

 

Exodus 20:3

 

The call to discipleship is a call to radical trust and COMMITMENT to Jesus. 

 

2. One thing can cost you SALVATION (Mark 10:23-27) 

 

Wealth breeds confidence in oneself, and it’s ADDICTIVE. 

 

There are many passages that talk about the dangerous attraction of money:

Matthew 6:19-21, 24

Luke 12:13-21

Luke 16:19-30

1 Timothy 6:17

 

3. The riches of POVERTY (vv. 28-31)

 

It’s the obedient disciple, who is not much recognized in this life will be received with the GREATEST OF HONORS in heaven.

 

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”                         -Jim Elliot

 

 “The heart of the gospel is all about giving up power, pouring out resources and serving . . . the center of Christianity is always migrating away from power and wealth.”                                         -Tim Keller

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Meditations

 

Memory verse: “Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!’”                                                                   Mark 10:23

 

Monday

Read Mark 10:17-31.  How does the context of Jesus welcoming the little child set the stage for this instruction?

 

 

 

 

Why is (1) coming to Jesus (2) with respect and (3) in humility necessary for salvation? Why is it not sufficient?

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Read Mark 10:17-31.  How do churchgoing Christians sometimes make it look like our religion is based on what we do? How can we change this perception?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

Read Mark 10:17-31. Is it possible for a person to keep the last six commandments? How do Matthew 5:22, 28 and 22:36–40 raise the bar for perfection?

 

 

 

 

Is it possible for a person to keep the last six commandments? How do Matthew 5:22, 28 and 22:36–40 raise the bar for perfection?

 

 

 

 

Thursday

Read Mark 10:17-31. Why did Jesus make this particular demand of the rich young ruler? What demand might He make of you? (What is your identity? What is your savior?)

 

 

 

 

Is wealth evidence of God’s favor? How can it also be an impediment to salvation? What determines your opinion about money: your culture or the Bible?

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

Read Mark 10:17-31. Is wealth evidence of God’s favor? How can it also be an impediment to salvation? What determines your opinion about money: your culture or the Bible?

 

 

 

 

Are there some people who have the gift of managing money for the kingdom and others who do not? What are the characteristics of this gift? Do you have the gift?

 

 

 

 

Saturday

Read Mark 10:17-31.

Is it wrong to seek a reward? How is the reward of discipleship better than anything the world has to offer?

 

 

 

 

Why did Jesus mention “persecutions” (v. 30) among the rewards of discipleship? Does this kind of frank disclosure seem like a good policy for evangelism?