This week, we have special guest speaker Ed Priestley, from our London Church, share a message titled “The Rich Young Ruler” from Mark 10, in our “Renewal” sermon series. Join us for our Sunday service as we celebrate, worship, take communion together.
Worship is led by Scott & Rachelle Galloway and features worship teams from various sister churches.
Message Summary & Reflection
The Rich Young Ruler – Good, Good, Good
Mark 10:17-31
A GOOD TEACHER?
v17 – We see a man, full of enthusiasm, approach Jesus with an amazing question; ‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’ But in his address to Jesus, we see his view of Christ is not fully developed. He refers to him a ‘Good Teacher’. Although it is respectful, it is inaccurate! Mark 8:27-29 reveals many people’s perceptions on who Jesus really was – a prophet; Elijah; a teacher? But those disciples, who really knew Jesus, knew he was more than any of these. He is the Christ; the promised Messiah. Had this rich young man really understood to whom he spoke, perhaps his question and response may have been different?
Who do you say Jesus is? Who is he to you? Is he a ‘good teacher’?
Be reminded of how you have come to your faith – 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 – that by his life and resurrection, he has proved himself to be God, and transformed lives through his appearance to many in the early church. He has proved his authority and divinity! He is more than a good teacher.
A GOOD MAN?
v18-20 – The man claims to have kept all the commandments up to this point, even though Jesus says, ‘No-one is good – except God alone.’ Perhaps this man really had kept the commandments, but he still did not own up to lacking anything, when prompted. He was given an opportunity to consider his falling short of God.
We also have this opportunity, and if we own up to our sin we will be forgiven and shown a path of grace. 1 John 1:8-10 ensures us of this, and James 1:13-16 reminds us that our sinful nature is present and ready to capture us.
So how is your response to temptation? And how eager are you to own up to your sin? Galatians 6:1 – this is a warning and standard to strive for in dealing with the sins of others, as they can often trigger temptation of our own.
A GOOD HEART?
v21-31 – At the heart of discipleship is sacrifice. We make sacrifices in many ways; in love (John 15:12); in faith (Hebrews 11:6); in hard work (Ephesians); in patience (1 Thessalonians 5:14); in earthly possession (Matthew 6:19-21). Is there something you are unwilling to sacrifice, or a command from God you are unyielding to? Do you know what it is you lack?
Jeremiah 17:9-10 reveals that we cannot trust our hearts in these matters. What we lack is often revealed through our eagerness to obey God’s command. Like the rich young ruler, it was revealed through a call to give away his wealth! What command of the Lord have you failed to follow, due to an unwilling heart? 1 John 5: 2-4 – to love God is to obey his commands!
Let God work with you through wholehearted obedience.
Luke 19:1-9 – An example of another wealthy man; Zacchaeus the tax collector. A different kind of heart and response to Christ; he knew who Jesus was, offered up all he had, and opened up to confess his wrongdoings.
Who will we choose to be like?
Scriptures Shared In This Message
This message will focus on the scriptures featured below:
- Mark 10: 17-31
