The Ultimate Investment
Notes
Transcript
Handout
WE are in a series called Jesus Amazed where we learn about those moments where Jesus was amazed at people for good thing and bad thing. People were also amazed at the things Jesus said because they were shocking.
This morning we see that Jesus gives somebody financial advice and it was pretty amazing.
When it comes to investing money, we want to make sure that we know it’s a good investment.
Most people would not invest all that they have on one company because of the risk of loosing everything.
We see in Mark 10:17 a dialogue between Jesus and a wealthy young man who asked questions about inheriting eternal life.
Let’s dig in…
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.
19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
PRAY
We are introduced to a man who came to Jesus demonstrating an earnest desire for spiritual awakening. When challenged to give up his wealth, he turns away sorrowfully.
Jesus highlighted the struggle many face in prioritizing their faith over material concerns.
There is a real tension between faith and materialism. When we are trusting in Jesus it means that we are making Him our priority and that may require uncomfortable sacrifices.
Jesus calls us to live differently. Our model for life is not by the world’s standards, but by the things that are valued in the Kingdom of God. Things like generosity, service, and an unwavering faith in God’s provision are the things that God values.
Jesus demands a radical reorientation of our values:
Exchanging earthly treasures for eternal riches through our faith and obedience to Jesus.
1. The Price of Priorities
1. The Price of Priorities
Our priorities are always shifting and they gravitate toward those things that make our life easier. Having the right priorities is very important but there is a significant price in keeping the priorities right.
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
A relatively young wealthy man fell on his knees before Jesus shows his respect for Jesus. He called Jesus a “Good teacher”.
This man then wanted to know what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. As if it was something that he could do on his own strength and ability. He came to Jesus because he knew that Jesus would have the answer.
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.
On the surface, it seems that Jesus was distancing himself from God by implying that only God was good and not Jesus.
Actually, Jesus was uniting himself with God by recognizing that to be called good is to be called God. Jesus referred to this man’s question by challenging him to think about God and HIS goodness.
Goodness is not measured by one’s works; in fact, no one is good but God alone. Jesus wanted the man to turn his attention from himself and from the man Jesus, who he thought was merely a “good teacher” and think about the absolute goodness of God.
If this man would be able to see God’s absolute goodness he would come to the conclusion that there is nothing he could do to inherit eternal life.
19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
Jesus gives six of the Ten Commandments—those dealing with people’s relationships with one another.
Jesus did not yet mention the other four commandments that deal with a person’s relationship to God.
By keeping these laws was the outward proof of an “upward” response to God—an answer to what the man could do.
But Jesus would show the man that the law had a far deeper meaning than just a list of rules keep.
The man sincerely believed that he had not broken any commandments but yet he still wanted Jesus to guarantee his eternal life.
Even if it seems that he kept all the laws perfectly, he still needed assurance so Jesus would reveal to this man what he still lacked.
21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Jesus had great compassion and love for this young eager man who had a desire for eternal life and a willingness to do anything to obtain it.
However, the man did not understand that an inheritance could not be earned, only accepted.
Jesus showed genuine love for this man, even though he knew that the man might not follow him.
Love is able to give tough advice; it doesn’t hedge around the truth. Jesus loved us enough to die for us, and HE also loves us enough to talk straight to us.
If his love were superficial, he would give us only his approval; but because his love is complete, he gives us life-changing challenges.
After this young man’s prideful response, Jesus lovingly broke through his pride with a challenge that answered his own question: Sell everything you have and give to the poor. This challenge exposed the barrier that could keep this young man out of the kingdom: his love of money.
22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Money represented his pride of accomplishment and self-effort.
One of the commandments that Jesus did not quote was the one this man could not keep. His attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me.”
The young man did not love God with his whole heart. In reality, the man’s wealth was his god, his idol.
He felt secure knowing he had done everything right but in reality, this life was a self-absorbed facade of achievements. When we follow Jesus, life is dynamic and risky, we are confident that our sins are forgiven through Jesus.
The young man was worried about falling from perfection and giving up his secure and comfortable life. He couldn’t venture a small bit of self-sacrifice.
This rich young ruler had a desire for eternal life but his attachments to wealth hindered further progress.
Selling everything and following Jesus serves as a metaphor for the radical sacrifices that God requires of all Christians.
When we choose to follow Jesus we will constantly live in that tension, that struggle between worldly possessions and eternal commitment.
As we begin trusting in Jesus as our complete source of ultimate fulfillment radical sacrifice will be required.
What attachment are you clinging to and how can releasing it deepen your faith and obedience?
The task of selling all his possessions would not, of itself, give the man eternal life. But such radical obedience would be the first step for this man to become a follower of Jesus.
The emphasis is not on “selling” as much as it was on “following.”
Jesus’ words to this rich young man were a test of his faith and his willingness to obey. The man thought he needed to do more; Jesus explained that there was plenty more he could do, but not in order to obtain eternal life.
Instead, he needed an attitude adjustment toward his wealth. Only then could he submit humbly to the lordship of Christ.
The essence of the gospel is to repent and believe.
Jesus told the rich young man to turn his back on his past (repent) and to begin following him (believe).
The young man may have wanted to believe, but he was unwilling to repent.
24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
What does your money mean to you?
Although Jesus wanted this man to sell everything and give his money to the poor, this does not mean that all believers should sell all their possessions.
Most of Jesus’ followers did not sell everything, although they used their possessions to serve others.
Sometimes being a good manager and steward of our money requires more effort and proves to be more difficult than giving to the needy.
But we are responsible to care for our own needs and the needs of our family so as not to be a burden on others, but we are also responsible to care for the poor.
We should be willing to give up anything God asks us to. God may require us to give up our money as well if money becomes our idol. When God blesses us with economic prosperity, he is giving us a ministry opportunity. If we use the money selfishly, we miss God’s opportunity and become like the rich young ruler.
But if we are willing to share and to give, we allow nothing to come between us and God.
That kind of attitude keeps us from using our God-given wealth selfishly. This story shows us that we must not let anything we have or desire keep us from following Jesus.
If Jesus asked, could you give up your house? your car? your investments? your level of income? your position on the ladder of promotion?
Your reaction may show your attitude toward money—whether it is your servant or your master.
The price of priorities
2. The Possibilities of God's Power
2. The Possibilities of God's Power
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Jesus explained that it was very difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (not impossible, but difficult).
For the rich most of their basic physical needs met so the rich become self-reliant.
When they feel empty, they can buy something new to dull the pain that was meant to drive them toward God.
Their abundance and self-sufficiency become their deficiency. People who have everything on earth can still lack what is most important—eternal life. They have riches, but they don’t have God’s kingdom.
Jesus’ words amazed the disciples because as Jews, these disciples regarded wealth as a sign of God’s blessing.
They thought wealth came from God and would bring a person closer to God. The rich young man, with all his advantages, probably seemed like perfect “kingdom material.”
What kind of kingdom was this if those most blessed and advantaged would have difficulty entering?
What did that mean for the disciples? It seemed to them that if the rich had a hard time, the disciples would never make it.
Jesus was generalizing his statement to reveal that the demands of the kingdom are rigorous for everyone.
Each person, rich or poor, will have something to give up (favorite sins, attitudes, relationships, influences or possessions).
All people are on equal ground before God; no one comes with any prior advantage.
It is difficult for the rich to enter, yet it is difficult for all but in reality it is us who make it difficult.
God asks for simple acceptance of him, but we attempt to hold on to temporary things as if they will never fade away.
25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
Jesus used a common Jewish proverb describing something impossible and absurd.
Jesus explained that it would be easier to get a camel (the largest animal in Palestine) through the eye of a sewing needle than for a person who trusts in riches to get into the kingdom of God. It is literally that impossible because we cannot earn God’s gift of salvation.
Having lots of money gives you advantages and influence which makes it difficult to have the attitude of humility, submission, and service required by Jesus.
Money represents power, authority, and success, and so wealthy people often have difficulty realizing their greatest need and their powerlessness to save themselves.
This can also apply to those who are rich in talent or intelligence. It is difficult for a self-sufficient person to realize his or her greatest need is to put their full trust in God.
26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
In reality, it is not just the rich who have difficulty, for salvation is not possible for anyone from a human standpoint. No one can be saved by wealth or achievements or talents: With men it is impossible.
But the situation is not hopeless, for God had an entirely different plan:
With God all things are possible.
Salvation cannot be earned; God gives it to us as a gift. No one needs money, talent, or advantage to obtain it. Instead, it is offered to all people equally.
No one is saved on merit; but all are saved who humbly come to God to receive salvation.
Jesus isn't condemning wealth but highlighting reliance on it as an obstacle to a full reliance on God.
That’s why it’s so important that we evaluate where we place their trust. Are we trusting in God or are we trusting in material security is our foundation?
When we anchor our faith in Jesus alone we can live beyond our earthly limitations through God’s divine possibilities.
The possibilities of God’s power.
3. The Promises of the Kingdom
3. The Promises of the Kingdom
28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.
Peter, once again acting as spokesman for the Twelve, contrasted the disciples with the rich young man. They had done what the rich young man had been unwilling to do. They had abandoned their former lives.
They had paid a high price—leaving their homes and jobs and secure futures—to follow Jesus.
Even though there will be great sacrifices in following Jesus, the benefits will far out weigh the sacrifice.
Even though they had to leave everything to follow Christ, they would be paid back in this present age as well as in the age to come.
Jesus assured the disciples that anyone who gave up something valuable for HIS sake would be repaid a hundred times over.
God will give spiritual blessings for material sacrifices.
Say someone was rejected by his or her family for accepting Christ, but that person will gain the larger family of believers with all the love it has to offer.
When we give up family, or friends, or fame, or finances, or positions, or titles in this world because we are following Jesus, God will bless us with so much more.
God’s Kingdom is not built on worldly priorities because Jesus prioritizes different things.
31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”
Jesus explained that in the world to come, the values of this world will be reversed.
Those who believe but who still seek status and importance here on earth will have none in heaven.
Yearning for position would cause us to lose any position we might have. Those who follow Jesus and humbly served others are most qualified to be great in heaven.
Rewards in heaven are given not on the basis of merit or “time served” or any other earthly standard. What matters in heaven is our commitment to following Jesus by being all in for Christ.
This is a profound investment opportunity—eternal returns for earthly sacrifices.
When we are investing in obedience and trust in Jesus the results will be abundance, peace, and fulfillment beyond material gain.
When we are all in for Jesus, we can fulfill the ultimate investment by embracing a Kingdom-focused mindset.
Take Away:
Are our priorities focused on following Jesus or are we focused on the things of this world?
Are we relying on God’s power or our own goodness for salvation?
Are willing to lay down everything for Jesus and HIS Kingdom?
