It's NOT About the Money!

Lessons from the Seemingly Great Candidate for Disciple

Go to the Right Person

The rich young ruler went to Jesus… the right person.

Who/where do you go? Do you turn to Jesus? Do You turn to Christian friends? Do you ask your pastor or deacons for advice when you need it?

Ask the Right Questions

The Rich young ruler has all the right questions.

He is aware of eternity.

He is aware of Jesus Authority.

He is aware of His need for Jesus to help him with his own eternity.

Get the Right Answers

Jesus answers with a list of commandments that he would be very aware of… keep in mind they are all from the second half of the 10 commandments.

Religious

Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is missing. Jesus has intentionally left this out.

Give the Right Responses

Of course He has loved his neighbor by not killing them or stealing their wives. He has honored his parents. He knows he is a good person and deserves heaven.

How many of our neighbors would say the same thing? I am good I am morally on high ground, I love my neighbors, I have never killed anyone, I have never stolen anything I am going to heaven because I am a good person.

Disqualification of the Seemingly Great Candidate for Disciple

Its Not About the Money!

Jesus drops a bombshell on him. Sell everything and follow me.

He is unwilling to do this so he goes away sad.

Failure to keep one law is grounds for damnation.

It IS about the HEART!

The rich man’s money is not the reason for his rejection, His lack of willingness to give something up for Christ is the reason.

Jesus statement is not saying we can’t be rich and go to heaven.

Jesus statement was about the Ruler’s Heart. This question was basically asking if he had any other god’s before God and he went away sad.

Advice for other Seemingly Great Candidates for Disciple

Surrender = Blessings

When we surrender, we receive blessings

Remember that persecution is counted as joy. Blessings may not be what we expect or desire.

Last = First

“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

While this passage is not about wealth really, there is still a financial wrinkle. There still must be mentioned the fact that for the 10%, for those who are independently wealthy their mind is always focused on the money, or the next deal and not on the mind of God. So, is it possible to be rich and go to heaven? Yes, as long as your heart lines up with God’s, and your mind is on the things above.

Challenge.

Jesus basically asks, am I enough for you? The rich young ruler answers no. How do you answer this morning? Is Jesus enough for You? Are you willing to take your comfortable life and lay it at the feet of Jesus?

What challenges are going On in your life? Maybe the message of Jesus being enough isn’t what you need this morning. Maybe you need to hear Jesus say that “with man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

So let us strive to be a part of those who have left everything for the sake of the Gospel, so that in the coming time. When we move from this age to eternity we may receive it 100 fold. Amen