The Sadness of Success

How many have ever made an assumption?

As I student I assumed I could get away with not studying.

As an athlete I assumed I would make the team based on last years performance.

As a child I assumed I could get away with it.

As a parent I assumed my children would always be well behaved.

As a husband I assumed I wouldn’t have to pick up after myself once I was married. (story of magic table)

I came across this quote: “So many assume, so little know.” Unknown

Unfortunately many today have made the assumption that they will get to heaven because of...

good deeds

giving away money

going to church

Today we stop making assumptions! We are going to take a look at a portion of scripture were some assumptions were made. Jesus takes away assumptions and fills in the blanks with truth.

Assumption 1- Goodness can be achieved

Mark 10:17–20 NIV

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Mark 10:17-20

The fact that this man comes running to Jesus tells us something about his attitude toward life. He learned that you get what you want by running toward your goal.

Wisdom beyond his years also sets the young man apart. When he stops running and winning, he reflects upon his future. What more can he achieve? What virtue still eludes him? What satisfaction does he not yet know? He now longs for spiritual satisfaction and the assurance of eternal life.

Between this story and the one in Luke we know that this man was young, rich and powerful. From the outside looking in you may say “he has it all.”

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 25: Mark Wealth: The Sadness of Success

Hearing about the rabbi whose teaching emphasizes eternal life, the young man determines to achieve this elusive goal by the same effort, style, and assumptions by which he has brought the rest of the world to his doorstep. Running, bowing, flattering, and deferring, he asks Jesus the timeless question, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (v. 17). His question is right, but his assumptions are wrong. First, he assumes that goodness can be achieved. When he salutes Jesus as “Good Teacher,” he is commending His achievements rather than His character. Such a thought is quickly refuted by Jesus. “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God” (v. 18). Critics who try to use this response to prove that Jesus does not think of Himself as God miss the point. He is only responding to the misconception that good is achievable by human effort, rather than possessed and given by God’s grace.

Hearing about this Jesus whose teaching emphasizes eternal life, the young man determines he is going to tackle the next goal by the same effort, style and assumptions by which has brought him success so far.

Mark 10:17 NIV

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

He question is right on, a question I hope you all have asked or will today - but his assumptions are wrong.

He assumes that goodness can be achieved. When he greats Jesus as “Good Teacher” he is commending His achievements rather that His character.

Jesus quickly refutes this...

Mark 10:18 NIV

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.

Don’t miss the point here. It is not if Jesus thinks as Himself as God. He is responding to the assumption that good is achievable by human effort, rather than given by God’s grace.

2. Assumption 2 - Eternal life can be earned

So if the attempt to flatter falls flat I believe this young man got his confidence back when Jesus cites the foundation for goodness in the commandments the deal with a person’s responsibility to a neighbor. This young man must feel as if he is on the brink of eternal life when he gives his answer.

Mark 10:20 NIV

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

I could see Jesus at this point stating… “I’m not done yet!”

3. Assumption 3 - Everything can be bought for a price

With the truth spoken in love, (which we will talk about in a moment) Jesus agains shatters the high hopes the young man has.

He assumes that everything can be bought for a price, including eternal life.

Jesus is teaching basic economics here. Price and cost are not the same. Price is written in dollars, but cost is spelled out in values.

Think back to your economic class days. No price tag can be put upon eternal life, but it does have what economists call an “opportunity cost.” Every time we buy something we determine what sacrifice we are willing to make for this purchase.

For eternal life everything is to be sacrificed, including the fruits of human achievement (vanity). In other words, eternal life is a value that cannot be bought, but cost us everything.

Mark 10:21–22 NIV

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Mark 10:21-22

Look at verse 21 again...

Mark 10:21 NIV

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

“Jesus looked at him and loved him.”

Jesus looked at him...

knowing his heart

knowing his past

knowing his sin

knowing his true intentions

knowing he would walk away from Him

Jesus knew all of this about him and He knows all of this about you and yet… “loved him.”

Today you feel that Christ Himself is speaking to you. Imagine if He were in this room, giving this invitation. What would you do? He really is in this room. He really is inviting you to become His child, His follower, His disciple. I’m going to ask you to leave your seat and come down the aisle. There are those here to pray with you. Come now, come willingly, come courageously. This is your time with Christ. He is calling you. He died for you and rose again. His blood washes away our sins, and He will give you new life if you surrender to Him today.

Has your love for Christ waned? Has your devotion to Christ weakened? Has your passion for Him faded? How easily the demands and temptations of the world crowd into our hearts, distracting us from whole hearted obedience to Christ. Today Jesus is standing at the door of your heart, knocking, listening, waiting to be restored as the Lord and Savior of your life. I’m going to ask you to renew your commitment to Christ.

Today I would like to invite you to join us at the altar, here at the front of the church, for prayer. The Bible tells us to cast all our cares on Him who cares for us. If you have an illness of body, mind, or soul, I invite you to come for prayer. If you would like to come and pray privately, you may. If you’d like someone to pray with you, there’s someone waiting to do so. Just step out and come.

Pray for food.