lesson i: how to enter – mark 10:13-16 only by simple faith can one enter the kingdom. john 3:1-16

Lesson I: How to enter – Mark 10:13-16

Only by simple faith can one enter the Kingdom.John 3:1-16

Mark 10:17 – The question

“Good teacher…what shall I do…inherit”

Jewish theology = eternal life is a privilege of the age to come.

We get it by earning it.Mt. 19:16

Mark 10:17 – The question

Christ’s teaching brought light to the issue.

2 Tim. 2:10

Mark 10:18 – The response

• No one is good but God (Rom. 3:10-18)

• If a man, not good• If good, then God• “Who do you say that I am?”


The Rich Young Ruler’s problem involved his view of who and what is

good.

He was not. No one is.


The Rich Young Ruler’s misconceptions of good caused him to not see Jesus or

himself correctly.

He needed help in seeing.

Jesus seeks to do just that.1 Tim. 1:8-10

Mark 10:19 – The challenge

To these commandments, Matthew let’s us know Jesus added, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt.

19:19)

Who has always obeyed their parents?

Who can say they have always loved others as themselves?

No one who is self-aware.


“All these I have kept from my youth”

Instead of realizing he was not good, the Ruler exposes that he was self-

righteous.

Self-righteous people lower their standards of what is good to fit

themselves in.

Mark 10:21 – The Expression of Love

God’s love is beyond understanding.John 3:16

“One thing”We certainly do not get life by selling all

and giving to the poor.Rev. 22:17


The only way for this young man to get the “one thing” was to understand

what he needed.

He was not coming as a “small child”.

He had to see his need for a Savior, for life freely given.


The call is one to discipleship; to self-denial and generosity.

It is designed to expose the Rich Young Ruler’s ignoring of the command to not

covet; his greatest sin.

Mark 10:21-22 – The Expression of Love

The result of obeying the call to discipleship is treasure in heaven.

Notice the reason the Ruler left… “he…went away sorrowful, for he had

great possessions”10:22

Mark 10:22 – The Reaction

Instead of dealing with the reality that…

• He had the sin of covetousness• He was not good • He had not kept the commandments • He needed a Savior …

He left.

Mark 10:22 – The Reaction

The Rich Young Ruler had faith in his money.

He had faith in himself.

He didn’t have faith in Jesus.

Mark 10:23-25 – The Surprise

The thinking was:• The righteous are made rich by God• This person is rich• He must be righteous


If salvation is difficult for them, it must be even more difficult for the average

person.

The disciples needed to check their thinking, they knew better.

This isn’t difficult for one who knows his Bible.


Just like a large camel trying to get through a tiny gate, a rich man in his

own eyes is too big, too self-reliant, to enter in.

However…

Mark 10:26-27 – The Miracle

The problems the rich face, as with all of us, make their salvation virtually impossible on a human level, but

entirely within God’s ability.

Make no mistake, for us to get the gift of eternal life is a work of God!

Mark 10:28-31 – The Reward

The Rich Young Ruler had been offered treasure in the future for obedience.

Peter’s question makes perfect sense.


Peter realizes that, just like the Law, the application of discipleship is different

for those who have life and those who don’t.

For one group, they should realize their condemnation.

For the other, they should anticipate their reward.


While the present possession of eternal life is a free gift, the future experience is something that can be enriched by

our good works.Gal. 6:6-8; Jn. 4:34-38

So, eternal life now is a gift.

In our future, merit is involved.


The disciples had been taught that obedience would bring them future

treasure.Mt. 6:19-21; Lk. 12:32-34

Hope in that future reward helps us focus on obedience today!“Where your treasure is…”


It is never wrong to have desires for things God wants us to desire.


Relationships that are full and personal!

Warm welcome in homes!

Relationships in the spiritual family closer than our earthly ones!

Rom. 16:13


A future that is more abundant still!

It is clear this is a reward.

It is clear that it is future.John 10:10


Eternal life is nothing less than the life of God.

And, our eternal experience may be enhanced.


As one writer observed, the Rich Young Ruler put the cart before the horse.

He talked about earning life before one received it.


Jesus tried to correct his thinking.

Following Christ does result in treasure in the Kingdom.

But that treasure can only come to those who first receive the gift of life by

faith.


Peter got it and, in anticipation, mentioned their sacrifices to Christ.

Jesus acknowledges Peter’s ideas.

Both the present and future experience of disciples is richer.


Peter got it and, in anticipation, mentioned their sacrifices to Christ.

Jesus acknowledges Peter’s ideas and their rewards as a result.

Both the present and future experience of disciples is richer.


But, the disciples need not be envious of this rich young ruler.

They need only focus on the wealth that will be theirs.

Because, as Jesus pointed out…


“Many who are first will be last, and the last first”.

How we get reward becomes a focus now.


…as the coming discussions demonstrate.

10:32-45

Suffering and humility precedes glory!


Are you willing to go for it?

lesson i: how to enter – mark 10:13-16 only by simple faith can one enter the kingdom. john 3:1-16

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