• Kept/to have your eye on

Notice how he addressed Jesus – “Good Teacher”

• Doctor; master; one who is fit to teach God’s truths

His question was, “What must I do?”

• He knew there was something that was required of him.

It seems that the young Ruler honestly wanted to be included in eternal life.

1. Was his request an honest one? Jesus was going to find out.

This young Ruler held a position of power.

• Was he seeking more 
• Or was he concerned about his future

Note: vs. 19 “No one is good except God alone.”

• Jesus was trying to get him to recognize who he (Jesus) was

Thought: look at verse 22, “Then come and follow me.”

What is Jesus saying here? If I am the “Good teacher” then do what I have taught.

1. When did Jesus teach these commands?

• Ex. 20:12-15
  • Moses getting the 10 commandments from God
  • The same God who spoke to him from the burning bush (Ex. 3)
  • The same God that spoke to Abraham in Gen. 18

Note that the young Ruler doesn’t question the commands. He knew:

• God gave them
• He acknowledged that Jesus was the “Good teacher”
• Jesus says that only God is good

Therefore, only God is the good teacher.

• And therefore, Jesus is the only One who could give him eternal life

If that is true, and I believe it is, then…

• Jesus has the right to instruct, direct and expect this young Ruler to do one more command

Vs. 22 “Sell it all”

• A command to the hearer to perform a certain action by the order and authority of the one commanding

Side note: Mark 10:21 NIV Jesus looked at him and loved him

Before you get too hard on Jesus, realize he really did love this young Ruler.

Sometimes honest love can leave you without choices.

Note: Matthew 6:21 NIV “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus was honest with this man.

You can’t buy heaven

• You can’t impress God with your deeds
  • You can’t really give it all to get it all

Note: vs. 23 “When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.”

Jesus’ love for him wouldn’t allow him to continue with a false hope.

What was Jesus asking of him? A complete submission of his heart.

• “You shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.”

That love, honest heartfelt love, will lead you to love your neighbor as yourself.

The spirit of the Law was more important than the letter of the Law.

• Love drives us to keep the spirit of the Law

Note: “Don’t commit adultery”

• Matthew 5:27-28 NIV “You have heard it said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Learning to love honestly is looking at the motives of your heart.

Note: vss. 26-30

• They missed the message here
• They went back to, “Look at me”
• Vs. 28, “We have left all”

Learning to love honestly isn’t easy.

But it is possible.

Note: vs. 27 NIV “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

God can take away the things that keep us from being honest.

God’s power can move us to being honest.

Questions for the week:

1. What is your plan for getting to heaven?
2. Will you be willing this week to look at the motives of your heart?
3. Are the riches of this life keeping you from loving honestly?