Whom Do We Follow?

The 4 gospel books tell of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, the life of our Lord Jesus Christ is the object lesson that teaches us about God. He is the Word who became Flesh. The Word is about Jesus and Jesus Himself is the Living Word. The Word that we read is more than just a study of literature. More than evidence that validates history. More than stories that illustrate teachings. It is attention to God’s voice which requires a response of man’s heart.

The story or the rich young man is found in 3 of the 4 gospels. We have learned that repeated words in scripture reinforce the emphasis of its meaning. Having recorded 3 times by 3 different writers, the story of the rich young man vocalizes God’s heart and practically screams for our attention even more so today because of the world we exist in. When God speaks, we must respond, (in spite of tension).

Mark 10:17-21 17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”

20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

Jesus had just finished being with the little children. He played, hugged, laughed, danced and sang. Notice He didn't start preaching to them. No lecture. No finger wagging. Instead, as the parents and crowds watched on, He himself became like a child, a friend and a playmate. There was an extraordinary connection. Their interaction was mutually warm. There’s a sense of familiarity and security that the little children had towards Jesus. They were having so much fun it was like Jesus having his own VBS. He didn't say to the parents, “Go take care of errands while I watch your kids.” That’s not what Jesus is for.

Parents shouldn't bring their kids to church because of reasons other than this. One essential reason we (must) bring our kids to church is simply because Jesus loves the little children. Don’t you want your children to be in a place close to God where they are loved? “Let (KJV – Suffer) the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

• Suffer (send forth, let go, give up) the little children to come unto me

• Do not hinder (forbid, prevent). 2 common E’s that hinder – Example & Excuses

He held them in his arms, put his hands on them and bless (eulogeo – to praise and ask God’s blessing) them. So do not let wrong intentions impede the purpose of Sunday.

A young man ran, kicks up dust, pushed his way through crowd and fell before Jesus. Catching his breath and said, “Sir, you don’t know me but I have something very important I need answered.” Continuing, “Good teacher, I know you’re a busy man. I could have gotten here faster but people were blocking the roads. I had to park my …” “Chariot?” said Jesus. “Yes … how did you know?” “Anyway, I won’t take too much of your time. Good teacher, what must I do to (be absolutely complete) get eternal life?”

Everyone in the crowd agrees it was a great question! Everyone wants to know but no one dares to ask! Pharisees who had challenged Jesus earlier are eager to hear Jesus’ reply. People who didn't care about heaven and hell at one point wondered what happens when they die. Disciples with Jesus intently waited for the answer.

Story of a married couple, both 60 years old, celebrating their 35th anniversary. During their party a genie appeared to congratulate them and grant them each one a wish. Wife wanted to travel around the world. Genie waved wand and “poof” – wife has tickets in her hand for a world cruise. Next, genie asked husband what he wanted. He said, “I wish I have a wife 30 years younger than me.” So genie picked wand and “poof” – the husband is 90. Great question but the problem is they know what they want but they didn't know what they are asking!