Is Anything More Important Than Jesus?
Bible Study
The Critical Questions... And More
Three Pre-Easter Bible Studies
Object:
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.' " He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."
Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age -- houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."
Lesson Objective: At the end of the lesson, each one in attendance will see how important a relationship with Jesus really is. They will understand the "cost" of being a follower of his.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each of the people in class or reading will put Jesus first in their lives. Pray that they will know the value of that relationship.
Background
Chapter 10 of Mark's gospel begins with a discussion of divorce. Jesus explains divorce and what God thinks about it. Little children are then brought to Jesus. After this occurs, a young man approaches him. This young man is wealthy and has a desire to follow Jesus. He runs to him and falls on his knees in front of Jesus. He has a burning question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Lesson
Pat Kelly, a free-swinging outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles a few years ago, was married to a minister's daughter and always went to chapel before the games. One day, he announced to his manager, Earl Weaver, "Earl, I feel great. I just left the chapel and once again I've learned to walk with the Lord." "Too bad you didn't learn to walk with the bases loaded," Weaver shot back. "When was the last time you prayed, Skip?" Kelly asked. "The last time I sent you to pinch hit," Weaver replied.
I'm not sure that Earl Weaver caught the gist of what Pat Kelly was trying to say. There are many people who almost make it. They come very close to making a decision to accept Jesus and put him first, and, yet for some reason, they turn away. In our text today, we see that occurring with a young man who came to see Jesus. In his story, we can learn some important lessons.
Being "good" is not enough
This young man sincerely wants to know what he has to do to fill this emptiness in his soul. Maybe he has seen Jesus interact with these children and maybe he realizes that he must do something different. His approach is that of a desperate person. "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus' answer may surprise us as we first read it. He directs the man back to the law. He does this to demonstrate to him the "real" need he has. Jesus says to him, "Why do you call me good? There is no one good but God. You know the commandments." Then he lists some. The young man, though, is not appeased. "I have done these since I was a boy." The statement here is not one of arrogance, but one of a person who has genuinely tried to adhere to an external set of rules and principles. He knows that there has to be more.
Maybe you know that, too. There may be some here today who have tried hard to be good. You've done the right things. You've avoided the "wrong" stuff. You've even come to church and given money. Yet, you, like this young man, sense that something is missing. The peace that you seek cannot be attained by being good or doing good.
I met someone not too long ago who I think typified what I'm talking about here. He is a person who does tremendous amounts of volunteer work. He can be found nearly every weekend doing something for some cause. That's a good thing. Nothing wrong with that. The hard part, though, is why he does it. He is convinced that by doing enough good he will make a positive impression with God. He genuinely fears that he won't be able to do enough good to outweigh the bad he's done.
You say, "He doesn't get it." Yeah, he doesn't, but do you? Some of you are on that same treadmill. You are like the little hamster in his cage. He runs fast on that wheel, but he never gets anywhere. He works hard, but makes no real progress. If you are trying to fill that emptiness with "good deeds," you are still empty.
"Stuff" can get in the way of following him
Jesus agrees that the emptiness is still there for this young man. He tells him, "Go and sell what you have, give it to the poor and come, follow me." Jesus knew in this man's case that his priority in life was his wealth and status. Jesus knew, that for him, that idol had to fall. At this news, though, the young man's face fell. He went away sad because he was very rich. Jesus looked sadly at his disciples and said, "How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The disciples are amazed at this. Jesus continues, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
What is Jesus saying here? Simply put, stuff can get in the way. Some have suggested that his reference to a camel and the eye of a needle refers to a particular gate in the temple area that is very small. While that may be the case, I think it is more likely that Jesus is talking literally about a camel going through the eye of a needle. It just doesn't happen. Often, that is true about wealthy people. It is really hard to not trust in yourself and your money and trust the Lord. That's what Jesus is talking about.
Stuff can prevent you from enjoying a walk with the Lord, as well. "Stuff," though, never seems to provide what is lacking most. Boris Becker, the German tennis star of the 1990s, once said, "Though I had won Wimbledon twice and had more money and material possessions than I could ever use, I had no inner peace. I was a puppet on a string." I think there are a lot of people in that same trap. They have become puppets, serving what makes them money, and yet are never really happy, never content. Norman Lear, the television producer, said, "I am shocked by the hole in America's heart." I'm not. People are searching for that which is real. They want that which matters. Through the many recent tragedies, we as a people were challenged to assess what is important. I think many are still looking. The tragedy is they are seeking meaning in money. They look for value in things. They want security in stuff. It isn't found there. This young man couldn't see it. What about you?
Empowerment by the Spirit enables one to follow
The disciples, after hearing Jesus' words, wondered, "Who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them with understanding and compassion. He said, "With men this is impossible, but not with God. With God all things are possible." Jesus noted that one could not make this kind of commitment and live this kind of lifestyle on his or her own power. The ability to do this was dependent upon the Spirit of God.
You cannot "will" yourself to live like a Christian. You should not come away from today saying, "I just have to work harder." That isn't the point and that can't happen. The only way to live like this is to submit to Jesus Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you. The way that you'll achieve this kind of walk is to let go of the wheel and allow God to drive.
The issue here is control. Too many times we want to seize control. Too many times we want to call the shots. Too many times we want the last word. Surrendering that to the Spirit of God will facilitate growth.
Those of you familiar with sailing and pirates will know of the phrase, "nailing your colors to the mast." Your color was your flag. It identified who you were. When you were sailing around enemies, often the flag was lowered so the ship would not be spotted. Billy Graham has used this example to challenge believers. He contends it is time for Christians to "nail their colors to the mast." What may come, may come, but be willing and committed to surrender to Jesus and live for him.
Will you?
Rewards for following him are great
Peter notes that the disciples have all left to follow Jesus. He is not specific, but he is hinting about "what that means for us." Jesus answers him clearly. No one who has sacrificed for the kingdom of God will fail to get it back and 100 times as much in this present age and eternal life in the age to come.
I'm sure Peter and the disciples caught that; did you? No one who has made sacrifices for the Lord will go unrewarded. The benefits of following him are great. Some of you know that, don't you? You've followed him for more than fifty years. You know full well what I mean.
It is true, you know. God honors and blesses those who walk with him. I know that from my own life. I haven't had to sacrifice very much, but God has still honored and blessed me far more than I've ever given. I cannot say that I lack anything that is really necessary in my life. He has met my needs and more. He will do the same for you.
Conclusion
Today you stand where the rich young man stood. He couldn't do it and left sad. What will you do?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"I Have Decided To Follow Jesus"
"Almost Persuaded"
"Trust And Obey"
"Sanctuary"
Thought/Discussion Questions
1. Why do people treasure "things"? What is the appeal of the things of the world?
2. Why was the young man unable to leave the "things of the world"? What will enable you to do so?
3. How do you "rearrange your priorities"?
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."
Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age -- houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."
Lesson Objective: At the end of the lesson, each one in attendance will see how important a relationship with Jesus really is. They will understand the "cost" of being a follower of his.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each of the people in class or reading will put Jesus first in their lives. Pray that they will know the value of that relationship.
Background
Chapter 10 of Mark's gospel begins with a discussion of divorce. Jesus explains divorce and what God thinks about it. Little children are then brought to Jesus. After this occurs, a young man approaches him. This young man is wealthy and has a desire to follow Jesus. He runs to him and falls on his knees in front of Jesus. He has a burning question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Lesson
Pat Kelly, a free-swinging outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles a few years ago, was married to a minister's daughter and always went to chapel before the games. One day, he announced to his manager, Earl Weaver, "Earl, I feel great. I just left the chapel and once again I've learned to walk with the Lord." "Too bad you didn't learn to walk with the bases loaded," Weaver shot back. "When was the last time you prayed, Skip?" Kelly asked. "The last time I sent you to pinch hit," Weaver replied.
I'm not sure that Earl Weaver caught the gist of what Pat Kelly was trying to say. There are many people who almost make it. They come very close to making a decision to accept Jesus and put him first, and, yet for some reason, they turn away. In our text today, we see that occurring with a young man who came to see Jesus. In his story, we can learn some important lessons.
Being "good" is not enough
This young man sincerely wants to know what he has to do to fill this emptiness in his soul. Maybe he has seen Jesus interact with these children and maybe he realizes that he must do something different. His approach is that of a desperate person. "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus' answer may surprise us as we first read it. He directs the man back to the law. He does this to demonstrate to him the "real" need he has. Jesus says to him, "Why do you call me good? There is no one good but God. You know the commandments." Then he lists some. The young man, though, is not appeased. "I have done these since I was a boy." The statement here is not one of arrogance, but one of a person who has genuinely tried to adhere to an external set of rules and principles. He knows that there has to be more.
Maybe you know that, too. There may be some here today who have tried hard to be good. You've done the right things. You've avoided the "wrong" stuff. You've even come to church and given money. Yet, you, like this young man, sense that something is missing. The peace that you seek cannot be attained by being good or doing good.
I met someone not too long ago who I think typified what I'm talking about here. He is a person who does tremendous amounts of volunteer work. He can be found nearly every weekend doing something for some cause. That's a good thing. Nothing wrong with that. The hard part, though, is why he does it. He is convinced that by doing enough good he will make a positive impression with God. He genuinely fears that he won't be able to do enough good to outweigh the bad he's done.
You say, "He doesn't get it." Yeah, he doesn't, but do you? Some of you are on that same treadmill. You are like the little hamster in his cage. He runs fast on that wheel, but he never gets anywhere. He works hard, but makes no real progress. If you are trying to fill that emptiness with "good deeds," you are still empty.
"Stuff" can get in the way of following him
Jesus agrees that the emptiness is still there for this young man. He tells him, "Go and sell what you have, give it to the poor and come, follow me." Jesus knew in this man's case that his priority in life was his wealth and status. Jesus knew, that for him, that idol had to fall. At this news, though, the young man's face fell. He went away sad because he was very rich. Jesus looked sadly at his disciples and said, "How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The disciples are amazed at this. Jesus continues, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
What is Jesus saying here? Simply put, stuff can get in the way. Some have suggested that his reference to a camel and the eye of a needle refers to a particular gate in the temple area that is very small. While that may be the case, I think it is more likely that Jesus is talking literally about a camel going through the eye of a needle. It just doesn't happen. Often, that is true about wealthy people. It is really hard to not trust in yourself and your money and trust the Lord. That's what Jesus is talking about.
Stuff can prevent you from enjoying a walk with the Lord, as well. "Stuff," though, never seems to provide what is lacking most. Boris Becker, the German tennis star of the 1990s, once said, "Though I had won Wimbledon twice and had more money and material possessions than I could ever use, I had no inner peace. I was a puppet on a string." I think there are a lot of people in that same trap. They have become puppets, serving what makes them money, and yet are never really happy, never content. Norman Lear, the television producer, said, "I am shocked by the hole in America's heart." I'm not. People are searching for that which is real. They want that which matters. Through the many recent tragedies, we as a people were challenged to assess what is important. I think many are still looking. The tragedy is they are seeking meaning in money. They look for value in things. They want security in stuff. It isn't found there. This young man couldn't see it. What about you?
Empowerment by the Spirit enables one to follow
The disciples, after hearing Jesus' words, wondered, "Who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them with understanding and compassion. He said, "With men this is impossible, but not with God. With God all things are possible." Jesus noted that one could not make this kind of commitment and live this kind of lifestyle on his or her own power. The ability to do this was dependent upon the Spirit of God.
You cannot "will" yourself to live like a Christian. You should not come away from today saying, "I just have to work harder." That isn't the point and that can't happen. The only way to live like this is to submit to Jesus Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you. The way that you'll achieve this kind of walk is to let go of the wheel and allow God to drive.
The issue here is control. Too many times we want to seize control. Too many times we want to call the shots. Too many times we want the last word. Surrendering that to the Spirit of God will facilitate growth.
Those of you familiar with sailing and pirates will know of the phrase, "nailing your colors to the mast." Your color was your flag. It identified who you were. When you were sailing around enemies, often the flag was lowered so the ship would not be spotted. Billy Graham has used this example to challenge believers. He contends it is time for Christians to "nail their colors to the mast." What may come, may come, but be willing and committed to surrender to Jesus and live for him.
Will you?
Rewards for following him are great
Peter notes that the disciples have all left to follow Jesus. He is not specific, but he is hinting about "what that means for us." Jesus answers him clearly. No one who has sacrificed for the kingdom of God will fail to get it back and 100 times as much in this present age and eternal life in the age to come.
I'm sure Peter and the disciples caught that; did you? No one who has made sacrifices for the Lord will go unrewarded. The benefits of following him are great. Some of you know that, don't you? You've followed him for more than fifty years. You know full well what I mean.
It is true, you know. God honors and blesses those who walk with him. I know that from my own life. I haven't had to sacrifice very much, but God has still honored and blessed me far more than I've ever given. I cannot say that I lack anything that is really necessary in my life. He has met my needs and more. He will do the same for you.
Conclusion
Today you stand where the rich young man stood. He couldn't do it and left sad. What will you do?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"I Have Decided To Follow Jesus"
"Almost Persuaded"
"Trust And Obey"
"Sanctuary"
Thought/Discussion Questions
1. Why do people treasure "things"? What is the appeal of the things of the world?
2. Why was the young man unable to leave the "things of the world"? What will enable you to do so?
3. How do you "rearrange your priorities"?
