Sermon by Samaroo Sookraj
SUB: "The Rich Young Ruler"
TEXT: Mark 10:17-22 Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-23
Intro: 1) The misconception of doing good things to merit God's favor.
2) The final destination of those Matt 7: 21-23.
I. HE HAD SO MANY THINGS IN HIS FAVOR.
A.
He was "very rich" (v.23),
He was "very rich" (v.23), B.He was "young" (Matthew 19:20),
He was "young" (Matthew 19:20), C.He was a "ruler" (Luke 18:18). "Ruler" here probably indicates his very high position in a Jewish synagogue.
He was a "ruler" (Luke 18:18). "Ruler" here probably indicates his very high position in a Jewish synagogue.D. Having obtained this high rank while yet in his youth, and being rich as well, identifies him as one highly favored in the eyes of men.
Having obtained this high rank while yet in his youth, and being rich as well, identifies him as one highly favored in the eyes of men. E.He treated Jesus Christ with respect (v.17a). He "knelt before Him" and addressed Him as "Good Teacher." Overlooking his superficiality (see v.18), it is to be noted that he was not belligerent before the Lord.
He treated Jesus Christ with respect (v.17a). He "knelt before Him" and addressed Him as "Good Teacher." Overlooking his superficiality (see v.18), it is to be noted that he was not belligerent before the Lord. F.He professed to having obeyed God's commandments (vv.19f).
He professed to having obeyed God's commandments (vv.19f). Jesus required him to fulfill those requirements, which satisfy the Second Great Commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). For this Jew, living under the Old Covenant, this meant also fulfilling all that is required in the second table of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12-17). These requirements follow the First Great Commandment, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, ...soul, ... mind, and ... strength" (Mark 12:30). For this Jew, this meant fulfilling what is required in the first table of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-11). None can obey the Second Great Commandment except those who have already obeyed the First (1 John 4:20). This man claimed to have obeyed these commandments wholly and always: "all these I have observed from my youth." Overlooking his self-righteous error in so saying, he was not a willful law-breaker.
G. He nevertheless realized that his professed perfect obedience to the Law was not enough for salvation (v.10b). He asked, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (see Daniel 12:1-3). O that today's self-righteous Law-keepers could realize that their best obedience to the Law of God is not enough for salvation!
"Jesus ... loved him" (v.21a). He was a recipient of that love of God, manifested in mercy and pity, which God has to all (Psalm 145:9), even His enemies (Matthew 5:44f; Luke 6:35f). How favored is the unbeliever who is specifically said to be loved by Christ!
II. HE LACKED ONLY ONE THING.
"Then Jesus ... said to him, 'One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me'" (v.21).
A. This requirement was especially suited to this man. His riches were that one idol he had to forsake in order to trust in Christ alone. Jesus therefore required of him what He did not require of other rich men, such as Abraham or Joseph of Arimathea. Their riches did not prevent them from trusting in Christ.
III. HE WAS WILLING TO LOSE ALL FOR THE LACK OF ONE THING.
"But he was sad at this word, and went away grieved, for he had great possessions" (v.22).
A.With so many things in his favor, he would lose all because of the lack of only one thing!
With so many things in his favor, he would lose all because of the lack of only one thing! B.He esteemed earthly treasures more than heavenly treasures, and his heart was in his treasures rather than in Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19-21).
He esteemed earthly treasures more than heavenly treasures, and his heart was in his treasures rather than in Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19-21).Conc. 1) Is there but one thing preventing you from following Jesus Christ?
2)Is it a vice which you are unwilling to forsake for Him?
Is it a vice which you are unwilling to forsake for Him? 3)Is it your pride, which makes you unwilling to bear His reproach?
Is it your pride, which makes you unwilling to bear His reproach? 4)Will you miss the kingdom of God for the lack of only one thing?
Will you miss the kingdom of God for the lack of only one thing?