Gospel of Matthew Matthew 19:16-30

Transcription

1 Gospel of Matthew Matthew 19:16-30 Forsaking Earthly Wealth for Heavenly Treasure Entering the kingdom of heaven involves changing our priorities. This is especially difficult for people who have wealth. Rich people often trust in their possessions and are deeply attached to them. Paul instructed Timothy to warn the wealthy: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17). Riches can easily ensnare and deceive the souls of men. In our text we find two opposite attitudes toward earthly possessions. The rich young ruler was unwilling to part with his possessions, but the disciples were willing to part with theirs for the sake of Christ. Their priorities and choices had eternal consequences. Missionary Jim Elliot once said: He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. 1. The foolish choice of the rich young ruler (vs ) This story is also found in Mark 10:17-27 and Luke 18: In all accounts we learn that this was a rich man. Mark tells us that he was young, and Luke adds that he was a ruler, so he is commonly referred to as the rich young ruler. A. The young man s sincere and respectful question (vs. 16) Mark tells us that the young man ran to Jesus, kneeled down, and then asked his question. This man regarded Jesus as a good teacher from God who could tell him how to get eternal life. He thought that eternal life was possible by doing some good thing. B. Jesus surprising answer and challenge (vs ) Jesus responded to his question with another question. In doing so, Jesus was not denying His own goodness or deity, but teaching that God alone is good. All men are sinners. He instantly addressed this young man s greatest spiritual problem, his pride and inability to see his own sinfulness. Jesus then challenged him to keep the commandments. Jesus stated five of the six commandments that make up the second part of the law and then added the summary of those commands. He was not suggesting that obeying the commandments brings salvation and eternal life, but He was showing God s perfect standard which no one can attain. This challenge should have caused the young man to admit the impossible task of keeping the law, but instead he thought he could achieve heaven on Jesus terms. Spurgeon comments: Thus the rugged way of works was set before him; not that he might attempt to win eternal life thereby, but that he might perceive his own shortcomings, and so feel his weakness as to look for salvation by some other method (The Gospel of the Kingdom, 162). C. The young man s self-righteous attitude (vs. 20) He would not admit his sin, but claimed to keep the commandments. D. Jesus further challenge (vs. 21)

2 Jesus was not telling the young man that he could have salvation by giving money to the poor, but He was using this assignment to reveal the sinfulness of his heart. Mark adds this to Christ s challenge: Come, take up the cross, and follow me (Mk. 10:21). John MacArthur comments: His refusal to obey here revealed two things: 1) he was not blameless as far as the law was concerned because he was guilty of loving himself and his possessions more than his neighbors; and 2) he lacked true faith which involves a willingness to surrender all at Christ s bidding. Jesus was not teaching salvation by philanthropy, but He was demanding that the young man give Him first place. The young man failed the test (MacArthur Study Bible). If we love our possessions more than we love God, we are idolaters. E. The young man s tragic decision (vs. 22) He went away sad and disappointed because he was unwilling to submit to Christ s demands and accept His invitation (vs. 21, come and follow me ). Spurgeon observes: Worldly possessions, apart from divine grace, have a deadening, hardening, hampering influence upon the soul. F. Jesus solemn warning (vs ) Jesus made a statement and then emphasized the truth with a vivid image of a camel going through the eye of a needle. This is obviously impossible. Wealth was considered a sign of God s approval and rich people were generally thought of as likely candidates for heaven. Jesus taught that it is impossible for anyone to enter heaven because of human goodness. G. The disciples serious question (vs. 25) Their question shows that they understood Jesus point. Salvation is humanly impossible even for the best of men. H. Jesus comforting answer (vs. 26) Salvation and eternal life are possible because God has the power to change the heart. God makes the impossible possible by saving unworthy sinners by His grace instead of merit. 2. The wise choice of the disciples (vs ) A. Peter s concern about rewards (vs. 27) Peter spoke on behalf of all the disciples: Lord, we have already done what you required of the rich young ruler. What can we expect to gain for our faith and obedience? What Peter said was true, but it was not wise. Spurgeon writes: After all, what have any of us to lose for Jesus compared with what we have to gain by him? What shall we have? is a question which we need not raise, for we ought rather to think of what we have already received at our Lord s hands. Himself is reward enough to the soul that hath him. As the psalmist states, the LORD is our portion. B. Jesus promise about rewards (vs ) Jesus did not rebuke Peter for his question, but gave him hope and encouragement. Christ gave this reassurance to those who followed him, the mark of true disciples. Jesus promise looked to His future kingdom, called the regeneration (all things made new). This is the

3 same word used to describe the new birth. The rewards will be shared authority in His kingdom (vs. 28), a hundred fold return in this present world (Mk. 10:30; Lk. 18:30), and the fullness of everlasting life (vs. 29). Verse 30 is a statement that introduces Jesus parable in the next chapter. It means that everyone in the kingdom ends up the same because of God s amazing grace.

4 Gospel of Matthew Matthew 19:16-30 Forsaking Earthly Wealth for Heavenly Treasure Entering the kingdom of heaven involves changing our priorities. This is especially difficult for people who have wealth. Rich people often trust in their possessions and are deeply attached to them. Paul instructed Timothy to warn the wealthy: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17). Riches can easily ensnare and deceive the souls of men. In our text we find two opposite attitudes toward earthly possessions. The rich young ruler was unwilling to part with his possessions, but the disciples were willing to part with theirs for the sake of Christ. Their priorities and choices had eternal consequences. Missionary Jim Elliot once said: He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. 1. of the rich young ruler (vs ) This story is also found in Mark 10:17-27 and Luke 18: A. The young man s (vs. 16) This man regarded Jesus as a good teacher from God who could tell him how to get eternal life. He thought that eternal life was possible by doing some good thing. B. Jesus (vs ) Jesus was not suggesting that obeying the commandments brings salvation and eternal life, but He was showing God s perfect standard which no one can attain. This challenge should have caused the young man to admit the impossible task of keeping the law, but instead he thought he could achieve heaven on Jesus terms. Spurgeon comments: Thus the rugged way of works was set before him; not that he might attempt to win eternal life thereby, but that he might perceive his own shortcomings, and so feel his weakness as to look for salvation by some other method (The Gospel of the Kingdom, 162). C. The young man s (vs. 20) He would not admit his sin, but claimed to keep the commandments. D. Jesus (vs. 21) Jesus was not telling the young man that he could have salvation by giving money to the poor, but He was using this assignment to reveal the sinfulness of his heart. Mark adds this to Christ s challenge: Come, take up the cross, and follow me (Mk. 10:21). John MacArthur comments: His refusal to obey here revealed two things: 1) he was not blameless as far as the law was concerned because he was guilty of loving himself and his possessions more than his neighbors; and 2) he lacked true faith which involves a willingness to surrender all at Christ s bidding. Jesus was not teaching salvation by philanthropy, but He was demanding that the young man give Him first place. The young man failed the test (MacArthur Study Bible).

5 E. The young man s (vs. 22) Spurgeon observes: Worldly possessions, apart from divine grace, have a deadening, hardening, hampering influence upon the soul. F. Jesus (vs ) Jesus made a statement and then emphasized the truth with a vivid image of a camel going through the eye of a needle. This is obviously impossible. G. The disciples (vs. 25) Their question shows that they understood Jesus point. Salvation is humanly impossible even for the best of men. H. Jesus (vs. 26) God makes the impossible possible by saving unworthy sinners by His grace instead of merit. 2. of the disciples (vs ) A. Peter s (vs. 27) Peter spoke on behalf of all the disciples: Lord, we have already done what you required of the rich young ruler. What can we expect to gain for our faith and obedience? What Peter said was true, but it was not wise. Spurgeon writes: After all, what have any of us to lose for Jesus compared with what we have to gain by him? What shall we have? is a question which we need not raise, for we ought rather to think of what we have already received at our Lord s hands. Himself is reward enough to the soul that hath him. B. Jesus (vs ) Jesus did not rebuke Peter for his question, but gave him hope and encouragement. Christ gave this reassurance to those who followed him, the mark of true disciples. Jesus promise looked to His future kingdom, called the regeneration (all things made new). The rewards will be shared authority in His kingdom (vs. 28), a hundred fold return in this present world (Mk. 10:30; Lk. 18:30), and the fullness of everlasting life (vs. 29). Verse 30 is a statement that introduces Jesus parable in the next chapter. It means that everyone in the kingdom ends up the same because of God s amazing grace.