The Gospel of Luke: Jesus is for everyone – Jesus’ church is not for the self-righteous religious
Luke 18:18-30
The rich young ruler was respectable and religious. He thought he had everything right. The disciples were disappointed by Jesus’ response to him.
- Jesus came to seek and save the lost – The rich young ruler didn’t come to Jesus because he needed Jesus. He thought he was saved. All he wanted was a list of religious rituals he could add to his list in order to gain heaven. We cannot impress God with our religion. Repentance from sin is the only way to inherit eternal life. The rich young ruler was proud about how good he was and thought he was better than Jesus. He did not want to admit his need for Jesus to save him.
- Beware of judging Jesus – The rich young ruler thought Jesus was just a good teacher. He expected Jesus to be honoured by his recognition of Jesus as a good teacher. Jesus essentially asked the rich young ruler “Who do you say I am?” Who do you say Jesus is? The only response we can make to this is to bow before Jesus and recognise who He is and our need for Him.
- Beware of spiritual pride – The rich young ruler was full of spiritual pride. He had no relationship with Jesus. There was little fruit of the Spirit in his life.
- Beware of possessions and money – Jesus knew the rich young ruler’s weakness. Jesus knows our weaknesses. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He wants to put His finger on those things so that they can be dealt with. The rich young ruler chose his wealth over and above Jesus. He chose to store up treasure on earth rather than in heaven. We need to let go of the things that trap us and prevent us from entering the kingdom of God. Where your treasure is there your heart will be. We have an inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5).
- Be aware of God’s possibilities – God can save anyone. God specialises in things though impossible. With God nothing is impossible.
- Be aware of God’s promises – If we make Jesus Lord of our lives Jesus promises we will receive blessings upon blessings in this life and in heaven. If we commit our life to God He has a far better future for us than we could ever plan for ourselves. God’s promises are guaranteed in Jesus blood.