Reaching for Real Life

Matthew 19:16-30
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, October 24

A Search for Real Life
Matt. 19:16-22

Often we read this passage of scripture and look at the rich young ruler through "narrow eyes." He is somewhat of a mystery to many people and they can't seem to understand why he would turn down Jesus Christ for money.

Several things need to be noted. First, this young man was obviously a good person or his worldly possessions would already have consumed him. But, even though he was very rich he was looking for something deeper in life. We also discover that he had kept the commandments that Jesus referred to in v. 18-19. Further evidence of his goodness was the fact that Jesus himself invited him to join His group of disciples when He said, "... come and follow me ..." (v.21).

So, in spite of his riches, the young ruler was focusing on that which was more important. He wanted something money could not buy. There was an empty place in his heart that the world could not fill and he was searching for a way to find fulfillment.

The words Jesus spoke and the miracles He did told this person that he could find the desire of his heart when Jesus was involved. So, he inquired of Him as to how to have eternal life.

Secondly, it is clear that Jesus is teaching that worldly possessions and wealth are a major hindrance to salvation. That truth has never changed and is very evident today.

The people of the United States do not realize that we are very wealthy when compared to the standard of living of most of the rest of the world. Those in the middle class are living far above where most people in Third World countries live. We have more money and more possessions now than ever and most people let those things interfere with their relationship to the Lord.

People are more committed to their "things" than they are to the Lord or to consistent worship of Him. To many people worship is an option not a necessity. Now, to them it's a GOOD option, but it is an option nonetheless. Our relationship to Jesus is not an option.

Thirdly, Jesus is telling the rich young ruler that it IS possible for a person to renounce worldly riches and find an even deeper life (v. 21).

In our secular society, people think they find happiness only in things and money. However, Jesus makes it clear that this good young man could have found what he was looking for by letting go of the world and all that it offers. He would have received riches the world could not give him.

This writer does not think that the Lord wants us to all be poor in order to be spiritual. There is nothing wrong with success, but it should not be the driving force in our lives. The possession of riches is dangerous when the riches have the man instead of the man having the riches.

Many Godly people are very wealthy, but they have learned that God will continue to bless them if they focus primarily on Jesus Christ and if they honor Him with what they have acquired.

A Hindrance to Real Life
v.23-26

Unsaved man, given the choice, will depend on himself and his abilities instead of depending on God. A large bank account. Money in the stock market. A beautiful home with all conveniences and a nice car or two. An education in a profession. All these and more are things that appeal to the mind of the lost world.

They are not generally looking for something deeper. God had somehow gotten the attention of the rich young ruler and he saw that all he possessed was not enough. However, we discover that, even though he was good in the eyes of Jesus, he could not turn away from the same things onto which the world holds. More than any other passage, this one warns us of the destructive nature of riches and worldly possessions.

In Mt. 6:24 Jesus also warns us about the hindrance of possessions. They are a hindrance to real life in that they appeal to the flesh and the flesh doesn't want to let go. This writer believes that only a saved person can possibly have the right relationship to riches. They must be possessed and unitized within the context of our devotion to Jesus or they will keep a person from ever turning to the Lord.

Forsaking All for Real Life
v. 27-30

Leave it to old Peter. He often reacted to things in a way that shows us the powerful tug the flesh has on us. Peter wanted to know what the disciples were going to have after they had forsaken everything - just as Jesus had told the rich young ruler he must do. Peter asked a question which was centered in the flesh, but Jesus gave him a spiritual answer.

In that answer the Lord revealed that the rewards of following Him are many, many times over the rewards the rich might have on earth. In fact, what Jesus tells them will be theirs cannot be purchased or earned on earth. It is bestowed from heaven upon those who commit their lives to Jesus Christ for salvation and then commit their earthly lives to doing whatever the Holy Spirit leads them to do in honoring the Lord.

To gain real life, one must be willing to give up their own. In giving up, we really place ourselves in the position that the Lord can bless us beyond what the world offers.