Jesus’ Encounter With The Rich Young Ruler

Mark 10:17-31

1. RICH MAN'S QUESTION

* "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

- "Why do you call me good? There is no one good except God." (V.18)

Back in Jesus' day, rich people were considered righteous, blessed and favoured by God.

So the rich man came to Jesus thinking himself righteous, self-sufficient, trying to earn heaven by his definition of "good" which is so much lower than God's standard (which is perfect).

The fact is that no one can earn heaven. No one is good and righteous enough for heaven.

Jesus was not denying His own goodness but redefining the man's definition of good (no one is good by just being a rabbi or a rich person).

2. RICH MAN'S PROBLEM

Jesus, by listing the commandments, is trying to point to the man his sin and inability to keep the law.

The undeniable sin of this man was his idolatrous love of money and wealth. (V.21)

The problem is not that he had money.

The problem is he failed to see his sin and idolatry.

His main problem is he thought he was good and righteous.

The man walked away sad thinking heaven can be earned by works.

3. HOW DO YOU FIT THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE

It is impossible for a self-righteous, self-sufficient person to enter heaven!

Then how?

"With man it is impossible but not with God." (V.27)

Salvation is a supernatural act of God. It cannot be achieved by man. What does it mean?

a. God is the one moving our hearts to see our sin

b. God is the one causing us to abandon any thoughts that we can work our way to heaven

c. God is the one giving us His righteousness so that we can meet His standard

The only way is through His grace!

If we were really camels, to be able to fit through the eye of the needle, we would need to get really small. Abandon everything that makes us feel BIG. To really acknowledge our nothingness compared to the GREATNESS of our God and that only by putting our faith in Christ can we be saved.