A. THE RICH YOUNG RULER: LUKE 18:18-23
1. He came to the right person. “There came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, ‘Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’” (Mark 10:17).
2. He came with a right attitude. “Good Master” (v. 17).
3. He had the right background. Jesus answers … not commit adultery … not murder … not steal … not testify falsely … honor father and mother.” The rich young ruler answered, “I’ve obeyed all these” (vv. 19-21).
4. His life was focused on the wrong goal. “One thing you haven’t done … sell all … give all” (v. 22).
5. He never said “no” to Jesus with words. “He became sad, for he was very rich” (v. 23). The imperfection of rejection. “Went away sad” (Mark 10:22).
6. The ultimate transforming action, “Jesus loved him” (Mark 10:21).
B. TRADITION SAYS THE YOUNG MAN WAS BARNABAS
1. His given name “Joseph” the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas” (Acts 4:16) which means encourager. He was motivated by giving money. “He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles” (4:37).
2. Barnabas, a Levite, illegally owned property. “The Levites … will receive no allotment of land … they will have no land of their own” (Deuteronomy 18:1-2, NLT).
3. Barnabas obeyed Jesus because his wealth was spiritually illegal.
4. Barnabas was an apostle (Acts 14:14), but not one of the 12.
5. Barnabas encouraged Paul “When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet … all afraid of him … Barnabas brought him to the apostles” (Acts 9:26-27).
6. Church at Antioch sent money to Jerusalem church in drought. “Entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem” (Acts 11:30, NLT).
7. Barnabas and Saul/Paul first missionaries (Acts 13:1-2).
8. Barnabas – the rich young ruler who originally left Jesus, but came back to Jesus, wanted to take his nephew Mark on the second missionary journey, even thought Mark had left them on the first trip (Acts 15:36-40).
a. The imperfect Barnabas wanted to give a second chance to imperfect Mark.
b. First trip John Mark left (13:13). Maybe because Paul took leadership away from his uncle Barnabas.
c. Mark was son of Mary (Acts 12:12; Colossians 4:10).
d. Many think Mark followed the Roman soldiers and Jesus on the night of His arrest. “One young man following behind was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away” (Mark 14:51-52, NLT).
C. LESSONS TO TAKE AWAY
1. Those who first turned away from Jesus can come back later and serve successfully.
2. Be like Jesus, love those who at first turn away, and pray for them.
3. One who tuned away can help others who turn away.
4. Be careful of those you criticize or disagree with; they may be a future fellow worker.
a. “Paul disagreed strongly since John Mark had deserted them … had not continued with them in the work” (Acts 15:38).
b. “We are sending another brother with Titus … he was appointed by the churches … as we took an offering to Jerusalem” (2 Corinthians 8:18-19, NLT).
5. None of us are perfect workers, praise God for using imperfect people.
6. What is the main lesson to learn from the Rich Young Ruler?
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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