Sermon-based Study Guide Sermon: Threading the Needle. (Matthew 19:16-30) Sermon Series: Portrait of a Follower

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1 Sermon-based Study Guide Sermon: Threading the Needle. (Matthew 19:16-30) Sermon Series: Portrait of a Follower SERMON SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY Question: What must a disciple do to obtain eternal life? A person must be 100% devoted to Jesus. In a word, perfect. Salvation is conditional; and humanly impossible. Eternal life is inherited (received). A disciple surrenders. Let God. Let go LET S REVIEW 1. What are 1 or 2 key truths you take away from this sermon? Page 1 of 10

2 DIGGING DEEPER 1. 1 st last / last 1 st. What did Jesus mean? Jesus says the 1 st shall be last; and the last first (19:30). Read Matthew 20:1-16. What is Jesus demonstrating through this parable? There are several considerations here. First of all, and perhaps most obvious is this; what appears to be of importance and preeminence on earth is not necessarily of first importance on Heaven. The rich, powerful, great, prominent people on earth are not necessarily the same in Heaven. In Jesus parable the first workers on the field can quite naturally be equated with the disciples who are for all intense and purposes, the first workers in the newly established church. So in this sense Jesus is letting Peter and all the disciples know, just because they are the first disciples at work for the kingdom, does not mean they should consider themselves superior to others who follow. This seems to be a bit at odds with what Jesus mentioned to Peter in Matthew 19:26-30, wherein Jesus identifies a specific role the disciples will have at Jesus second coming. However, the two are compatible in the sense that no matter what role disciples are given, it should never lead to pride, arrogance; self-entitlement or a sense of superiority. Humility is a trademark in the Kingdom of Heaven as learned through Matthew 18:1-5. ** I also wonder, could Jesus have had the rich in view when He made this comment and gave the subsequent parable? Although the disciples were ahead of this young rich man, perhaps Jesus had in mind to continue His pursuit which would result in the entering the kingdom later. In any case, it is important to not get ahead of ourselves. 2. To follow Jesus: A deeper understanding Read Matthew 8:19; 19:21; Luke 9:61; Matthew 10:38-39 Mark 8:34; John 12:26. What are some specific reasons for following Jesus? Following Jesus is more than just to learn; gain an education and knowledge; following Jesus is a necessary part of our salvation; it also teaches us about self-denial; the only way to obtain eternal life is to let go of the carnal life; and learning to serve. Page 2 of 10

3 3. Understanding perfection. Sanctification is a technical term for the work of the Holy Spirit working to reform a person s whole nature to become more and more like the character of Jesus. What do we learn about this process? READ 1 Kings 8:46; Proverbs 20:9; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8. Perfection is not attainable on earth, in this life. No one is without sin; no one is completely pure; inside and out; pure of mind, soul, actions, and word. So, sanctification is an ongoing process. One which is begun on earth and is only finished when we die. It is an earthly process. IN MY LIFE 1. How does this description of a disciple effect, change, or alter your view of being a follower of Jesus? 2. When I think surrender, I think So often the word surrender carries negative connotations. We think of giving up; or worse quitting. But when it comes to the matter of eternal life; maybe it is not such a bad idea after all. Stop trying to achieve it; earn it; quit already; let go and let God surrender is really the perfect answer. 3. God is asking me to let go of I would encourage you to pray about this, and write some items down. As soon as the question is asked most of us already have something that comes to mind. What is that something that comes to mind? Write it down. Ask the Lord is this from you? What else is on the list? What are the things which occupy your mind your thoughts? What is it that occupies your time? Has the Lord called you to it or have you? 4. The reason(s) I struggle to let go is I would encourage you to write this down too. Listen, you will need to be honest with yourself. What are the reasons you do not let go. Do not judge or filter your answers. Just write it down. Then have a look. If it is of the Lord He will help you. Memory verses: Matthew 19:26; Hebrews 2:18 Page 3 of 10

4 Word Study Good deed: good (moral qualities, in general); positive moral qualities of the most general nature good, goodness, good act. i Eternal (life): pertaining to an unlimited duration of time eternal. 13ii Koop Aside: eternal = time without end versus no time at all Perfect: goal, purpose. Finished, that which has reached its end, term, limit; hence, complete, full, wanting in nothing. iii ; pertaining to that which is fully accomplished or finished complete, finished. iv Sorrowful: to be sad as the result of what has happened or what one has done to be sad, to be distressed. v Treasure: that which is of exceptional value and kept safe; treasure, wealth, what is stored up because of its value vi Follow: The individual calling to follow Jesus involved abiding fellowship with Him, not only for the sake of learning as a scholar from his teacher (Matt. 8:19), but also for the sake of the salvation known or looked for which presented itself in such fellowship (Matt. 19:21; Luke 9:61). The first thing involved in following Jesus is a cleaving to Him in believing trust and obedience. Those cleaving to Him must also follow His leading and act according to His example (John 8:12; 10:4, 5, 27). Hence constant stress is laid by the Lord Jesus upon the need of self denial and fellowship of the cross (Matt. 8:19, 20, 22; 10:38; Mark 8:34; John 8:12; 12:26). Following Jesus thus denotes a fellowship of faith as well as a fellowship of life, sharing in His sufferings not only inwardly, but outwardly if necessary (Matt. 9:9, 19, 27). Such outward fellowship with Jesus, however, could not continue without inner moral and spiritual fellowship, without a life resembling His and a self denying sharing of His cross. The expression follow the Lamb (Jesus) occurs only in Rev. 14:4. In John 8:12; 10:4, 5, 27; 12:26, following Jesus appears as an independent concept apart from any outward act or momentary circumstances of time and place which union with Him might involve. vii Possessions: (x11 uses in the NT) property, field, piece of ground; a property owner would be perceived as having great wealth viii Difficult: (x3 uses in the NT) pertaining to that which is difficult to accomplish or do difficult, hard, with difficulty. ix ; In some languages it may be difficult to render concisely the expression only with difficulty. To express this contrastive element in connection with entering the kingdom of heaven, one must often translate as a rich person will be able to enter into the kingdom of heaven, but it will be very difficult for him to do so. x Camel: (x6 uses in the NT) largest of the unclean animals; Eye (of needle): hole; pierce Needle: a tiny instrument that makes or repairs clothing by threading xi ; There is no convincing evidence that the expression eye of a needle in Mt and Lk is a figurative name for a narrow gate. The reference to a camel passing through the eye of a needle is a case of rhetorical hyperbole, that is to say, a purposeful exaggeration to point out the extreme difficulty of the event referred to. xii Astonished: to be so amazed as to be practically overwhelmed to be greatly astounded. xiii ; to strike out, hence to strike with panic, to amaze Page 4 of 10

5 Impossible: pertaining to being impossible, presumably because of a lack of power to alter or control circumstances impossible. xiv ; powerless; feeble; unable Possible: pertaining to being possible, with the implication of power or ability to alter or control circumstances possible. xv Left (everything)/ leave: To let go from one s further notice, care, attendance, occupancy, i.e., to leave or let alone. xvi New world: (x2 uses in the NT) an era involving the renewal of the world (with special reference to the time of the Messiah) new age, Messianic age. xvii ; Regeneration, restoration, renovation, rebirth. Occurs in Matt. 19:28, which refers to the coming state of the whole creation, equivalent to the restoration of all things of Acts 3:21 which will occur when the Son of Man shall come in His glory. In this sense, it is equivalent to apokatástasis (605), restitution. The washing of regeneration (paliggenesía, Titus 3:5) refers to the spiritual rebirth of the individual soul. xviii Inherit: receive, gain possession; to receive something of considerable value which has not been earned to receive, to be given, to gain possession of. xix Page 5 of 10

6 Text Study (Here are various Bible translations of the passage.) English New American Bible: 1995 Update King James International Revised New Living Translation 16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? 17 And he said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the 18 He said to him, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 20 The young man said to him, All these I have kept. What do I still lack? 16 And someone came to Him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life? 17 And He said to him, Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the 18 Then he said to Him, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 20 The young man said to Him, All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking? 16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? 17 So He said to him, Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the 18 He said to Him, Which ones? Jesus said, You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and your mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 20 The young man said to Him, All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack? 16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life? 17 Why do you ask me about what is good? Jesus replied. There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the 18 Which ones? the man inquired. Jesus replied, Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself. 20 All these I have kept, the said. What do I still lack? 16 Then someone came to him and said, Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? 17 And he said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the 18 He said to him, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 20 The young man said to him, I have kept all these; what do I still lack? 16 Someone came to Jesus with this question: Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? 17 Why ask me about what is good? Jesus replied. There is only One who is good. But to answer your question if you want to receive eternal life, keep the 18 Which ones? the man asked. And Jesus replied: You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself. 20 I ve obeyed all these commandments, the replied. What else must I do? 21 Jesus said to 21 Jesus said to 21 Jesus said to 21 Jesus 21 Jesus said to 21 Jesus told Page 6 of 10

7 English New American Bible: 1995 Update King James International Revised New Living Translation him, If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have heaven; and me. him, If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have heaven; and Me. him, If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have heaven; and Me. answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have heaven. Then me. him, If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have heaven; then me. him, If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have heaven. Then me. 22 When the heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 22 But when the heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 22 But when the heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 22 When the heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 22 When the heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. 22 But when the heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 23 And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. 24 I ll say it again it is easier for a camel to go of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, Who then can be saved? 25 When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, Then who can be saved? 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, Who then can be saved? 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, Who then can be saved? 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, Then who can be saved? 25 The disciples were astounded. Then who in the world can be saved? they asked. Page 7 of 10

8 English New American Bible: 1995 Update King James International Revised New Living Translation 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 27 Then Peter said in reply, See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have? 28 Jesus said to them, Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or or mother or children or lands, for my name s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 27 Then Peter said to Him, Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us? 28 And Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or or mother or children or farms for My name s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have? 28 So Jesus said to them, Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 26 Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 27 Peter answered him, We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us? 28 Jesus said to them, I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible. 27 Then Peter said in reply, Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have? 28 Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or or mother or children or fields, for my name s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. 26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible. 27 Then Peter said to him, We ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get? 28 Jesus replied, I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many 30 But many 30 But many 30 But many 30 But many 30 But many Page 8 of 10

9 English New American Bible: 1995 Update King James International Revised New Living Translation who are first will be last, and the last first. who are first will be last; and the last, first. who are first will be last, and the last first. who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. who are first will be last, and the last will be first. who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. Page 9 of 10

10 Endnotes i Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (1:741). New York: United Bible societies There is no real distinction in meaning between the terms ἀΐδιος and αἰώνιος. The term ἀΐδιος, however, is in certain respects a somewhat more technical expression, particularly popular among philosophers. ii Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (1:641). New York: United Bible societies. iii Zodhiates, S. (2000, c1992, c1993). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.) (G5046). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers. iv Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989). v Ibid.. vi Swanson, J. (1997). vii Zodhiates, S. (2000, c1992, c1993). viii Swanson, J. (1997). ix Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989).... x Ibid. xi Swanson, J. (1997). xii Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989). xiii Ibid. xiv Ibid. xv Ibid. xvi Zodhiates, S. (2000, c1992, c1993). xvii Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989). xviii Zodhiates, S. (2000, c1992, c1993). xix Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989). Page 10 of 10