Luke 18:18-34
Q.1. How did Christ’s response to the rich young ruler expose the man’s failure to understand the law? – (Lk.18:18-22)
It appears that the rich young ruler was genuine and respectful in his approach to Jesus (see also Mt.19:16-26 & Mk.10:17-27). Jesus warned the man not to lightly use a title that belonged to God. He also reminded him about the demands of the Law (Lk.18:19-20). This ruler was a God-fearing man who seemingly kept the outward demands of the Law from his youth – Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him (Mk.10:21 c.f. Lk.18:21). In spite of doing all required by Judaism, this man knew something was missing, and asked Jesus – what am I still lacking? (Mt.19:20). Jesus, knowing that the man was extremely rich, told him – One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me (Lk.18:22). Christ’s advice to the young ruler confirmed the inability of law-keeping to produce a clear conscience, or to help us gain acceptance with God.
Q.2. What is God’s purpose for giving wealth? What is it about our prosperity that makes it so hard to gain entrance to Heaven? – (Lk.18:22-27)
Wealth is given by God to show His generosity, and to give some people a special ability to bless others. It is impossible for any sinners to gain entrance into Heaven, apart from through the grace of God (Lk.18:24-25). The degree of difficulty is enlarged for the wealthy because they can seemingly live life without depending on God. The outcome, had the rich young ruler given his wealth to the poor, would have been a greater dependence upon God (Lk.18:22). The Jews considered that prosperity was a sign of God’s special favour. Jesus’ suggestion that it was harder for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God, confused the people. They responded – 26 …Then who can be saved? 27 But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” (Lk.18:26-27).
Q.3. What is the reward promised to a devoted follower of Christ? – (Lk.18:28-30)
The exchange between Jesus and the rich young ruler must have brought to attention the sacrifice made by Jesus’ disciples. Peter voiced this. Jesus spoke of God’s care for all who are devoted followers. He promised them – 29 … Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life (Lk.18:29-30). Just as God can withhold or provide abundant rain for the farmer, so He has unlimited resources at His disposal, with which to lavish His love on His servants – at this time and in the age to come (Lk.18:30).
Q.4. How did Jesus know He would forfeit His life at Jerusalem? Was this the end? Do we understand suffering any better than the disciples? – (Lk.18:31-34)
When speaking of His suffering, death, and resurrection to come, Jesus referred His disciples to the Scriptures – … all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished (Lk.18:31). He also knew that His death would not be the end – and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again (Lk.18:33). The Gospel writers all agree that these repeated predictions of Christ’s sufferings were not understood by the disciples. To imagine that One with such power would meekly give up His life, was far from their minds. Likewise, though the sufferings of the righteous are recorded throughout the Scriptures, many believers are equally bewildered by trials and testing.