Matthew 19:16-30
Q.1. What was the rich young ruler’s question to Jesus? How did Jesus respond? How did Jesus drive home the young man’s failure to really keep the law? Why did he leave deflated? – (Mt.19:16-22)
Jesus sought to drive home an important truth when a rich young ruler asked – … Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life? (Mt.19:16). Mark and Luke recall the question as – Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? (Mk.10:17; Lk.18:18). The challenge to the young man was to recognize that if only God is good (and he called Jesus good) was he ready to confess that Jesus was God? Before answering him, Jesus addressed his perception of goodness – No one is good but One – God (Mk.10:18 c.f. Mt.19:17; Lk.18:19). Jesus perceived the man thought that people were generally good including himself. But He reminded him that only God is good. Jesus further corrected his faulty view of gaining eternal life. Since only God is truly good, no effort on the part of people can qualify them for heaven. Jesus then pointed the young man to the practical demands of the Ten Commandments (see Mt.19:18-19). He responded sincerely – … All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking? (Mt.19:20). Mark records that Jesus was touched by his sincerity but informed him – … If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me (Mt.19:21 c.f. Mk.10;21). He was stunned with Christ’s demand and went away grieved because he was extremely well-off (Mt.19:22).
Q.2. What makes it hard for those that are rich to enter the kingdom? How did Jesus expose the disciple’s faulty view of prosperity? On what basis are sinners saved? – (Mt.19:23-26)
As the rich young ruler departed, Jesus declared – 23 …Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mt.19:23-24). The ‘Prosperity Doctrine’ was entrenched in Judaism. It was believed that prosperity was a sign of God’s blessing and approval. Moreover, rich people could give more alms and thus gain more of God’s favour. However, Jesus underscored the impossibility of anyone being saved and entering heaven by their merits. The disciples were staggered at this revelation and questioned how anyone could then be saved (Mt.19:25). Jesus assured them – … With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Mt.19:26). In other words, God can find a way (and would provide a way).
Q.3. What point was Peter making? What place will Christ’s disciples have in the coming Kingdom? When will the reward promised become a reality? Do the blessings of this life guarantee blessings in the life to come? – (Mt.19:27-30)
Peter, speaking on behalf of the Twelve, pointed out that they had already done what Jesus advised the rich young ruler to do (see Mt.19:27). Jesus told His disciples – … Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Mt.19:28). Though Jesus had prophesied His suffering and death, He was certain that He would rise and fulfill the prophecies of His Millennial Reign at a future time. The disciples would join Him and reign over the twelve tribes of Israel. Everyone who leaves all to follow Him – … will receive many times as much and will inherit eternal life (Mt.19:29). All who follow Christ will receive much more in terms of spiritual blessings, than what they have sacrificed – some blessings will be in this life, but all will inherit the blessings in eternal life. Mark quoted the promise this way – 30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life (Mk.10:30). Our family will include countless members of God’s family. He also suggested that there may even be houses and farms. However, with this there may be trials.