A study of the nameless persons in the New Testament is interesting. In John 6, we read about the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus and 5,000 people were fed. This encourages us to know that anyone can be used by Jesus. In Luke 7, we read about the widow of Nain who was comforted by Jesus. This demonstrates that all of us are candidates to benefit from His presence. In John 5, we read about the healing of the man by the pool. This demonstrates to us that no condition is beyond Jesus’ control.
These nameless people along with many others could represent many in our modern-day churches.
Unfortunately, there is another person with whom many identify. Read Mark 10:17-22. This young man teaches us some vital lessons.
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mark 10:17-22
Lesson One: Being Religious Does Not Qualify Us for Heaven
This rich young man was very religious. His question shows that he had a religious heart (v. 17). It was a noble question revealing his hunger for a deep, lasting relationship.
He recognized something special in Jesus. Notice his approach in verse 17. He was beyond the level of unbeliever but peace eluded him.
There are a multitude of good people who do not know the peace that Jesus offers.
- Jesus spoke to many of them in Matthew 7:21.
- In James 1:22 we are admonished to get beyond just being religious
- The Bible does not call us to “goodness.” We are called to godliness.
- This young man represents a host of religious people who do not have peace.
Lesson Two: Material Possessions Do Not Produce Peace
Note the description of this young man in verse 22. We read in Mark 10:22 that he had great wealth. In Luke 18:22 we read that he was a ruler. This rich young man represents those people who are well supplied with what the world considers to be necessary for happiness.
Material possessions do not produce peaceful lives today. A look at the daily newspaper shows that many wealthy people are miserable. The absence of material possessions does not automatically produce peace. Material things have nothing to do with giving or taking away eternal life.
This young man kept the “things” he had at the price of the peace that he sought. Note verse 22. How long did he have his “riches”? Perhaps 50 years? How long did he forfeit peace? Forever!
Lesson Three: Jesus Makes No Compromise for Anyone
This young man could be a credit to any church. Jesus requires total commitment. Total commitment was the price for the power of Pentecost. There is no room in God’s kingdom for half-hearted Christians.
Today, it takes total commitment to know spiritual success and peace. There are no boundary lines in the lives of true believers. Jesus will not share our hearts. He will be Lord of all or not Lord at all.
Conclusion
What must we do to have eternal life? We must accept Jesus’ terms by giving Him first place in our lives. Those who do what Jesus tells them to do live happy lives. In John 9, we read that He sent a blind man to the pool. His obedience resulted in the restoration of his sight. In John 11, Mary and Martha rolled away the stone, and Lazarus lived. Those who do not obey His guidance miss the joy they could receive. What will you do with Jesus?
Click here to print or download the Bible study “Lessons From A Rich Young Man“
