25 - Rich Young Ruler

The Cost of Discipleship: Are You Ready to Follow?

Bible Passage: Luke 18:18–30

Summary: In this passage, a rich ruler approaches Jesus seeking eternal life, but leaves sorrowful when Jesus tells him to sell everything he has and follow Him. The encounter highlights the difficulty of prioritizing spiritual devotion over material wealth.

Application: This sermon could challenge Christians to evaluate their own priorities and possessions, encouraging them to be willing to sacrifice for their faith. It reminds the audience that the call to discipleship often requires difficult choices and radical commitment.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that following Jesus is not just about belief but involves action, sacrifice, and a willingness to let go of earthly attachments that hinder our relationship with God.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader narrative of Scripture, this passage illustrates how Christ fulfills the law and calls individuals to a deeper relationship with Him that transcends material possessions. Jesus embodies the ultimate sacrifice, calling His followers to trust Him above all else.

Big Idea: True discipleship requires sacrifice and prioritizing our relationship with Jesus over worldly attachments and riches.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the socio-cultural context of wealth in first-century Judea and the implications of Jesus' words on materialism. Look into the Greek terms used for wealth and eternal life in Logos, as these may provide deeper insights. Additionally, examining the parallels in Matthew and Mark can offer a fuller understanding of this encounter and its significance for your audience.

1. Identify Your Obstacles

Luke 18:18-22

You could explore how Jesus challenges the rich ruler to reevaluate his priorities, emphasizing that obeying the commandments is not just about external compliance but an internal willingness to follow Jesus at all costs. This point can highlight the essence of true discipleship: complete surrender to Christ. Perhaps focus on how Jesus identifies the one thing that holds the ruler back, prompting listeners to consider what holds them back from fully following Jesus.

2. Overcome Material Attachments

Luke 18:23-25

You might discuss the ruler's sorrow and Jesus’ teaching about the difficulty for those attached to wealth to enter the Kingdom of God. Emphasize the radical call to detach from worldly riches to fully embrace the eternal life offered by Christ. Maybe relate this to the audience's own struggles with materialism, encouraging them to trust in God and rely on Him rather than their wealth.

3. Embrace Kingdom Rewards

Luke 18:26-30

This could be an illustration of hope through the disciples' question and Jesus’ response, affirming that what seems impossible for man is possible with God. Focus on the promise that those who sacrifice for Jesus will receive manifold blessings. Perhaps inspire the audience to consider the eternal rewards ahead and encourage them to trust Jesus’ promises beyond the present sacrifices.

What specific challenge did Jesus give to the rich ruler in Luke 18:18–30?

In what ways can you identify the material attachments that may be holding you back from fully following Jesus?

How can you practically evaluate and rearrange your priorities to align more closely with Christ's call to discipleship?

What does Jesus mean when He says it is difficult for those who are rich to enter the Kingdom of God?

What sacrifices are you willing to make to deepen your relationship with God and live out your faith more fully?