Two Rich Men (Mt. 19:16-22; Lu. 19:1-10)

Read Matthew 19:16-22; Luke 19:1-10.

Both Zacchaeus and the young ruler were rich.  That's where their similarity ends.  Zacchaeus went away saved and transformed, while the young ruler went away grieved.  What made the difference? What was in each man's heart.  Zacchaeus had genuine interest in Jesus, while the young ruler had an agenda.

We know Jesus' conversation with the young ruler but not Jesus' conversation with Zacchaeus at the house.  That must've been some conversation!

A softening work had been operating in Zacchaeus' heart.  He responded clearly, rightly and early.

1.  You cannot serve God and money (Mt. 6:24).  How do you know if you're serving money?  Is there any amount or any account that is off limits to God?  If He asked for it all, would you give it?

2.  What's in your heart? (Prov. 4:23).  In other words, why are you coming to Jesus?  Why do you want Him to come to you?  Motive matters.  Not everyone who comes to Jesus is interested in the salvation He offers and the transformation it brings.

3.  Coming to Jesus should result in living for Jesus (Col. 2:6-7; 3:1-17).  Zacchaeus surrendered his money and made restitution.  There was no life change in the young ruler (except that he became more sad, as is always the case when a person turns away from Jesus' counsel).

4.  Never underestimate the preparatory work of the Holy Spirit.

5.  Beware the ugliness of self-righteousness and its seduction.  Works cannot justify you (Gal. 3:11; Eph. 2:8-9).  Having been justified apart from works, you cannot then not work (act, respond, change, obey) (Eph. 2:10; Jam. 2:26).

Lessons from the Rich Young Ruler (Mt 19:16-22)

Thursday's reading was Matthew 18-19.

1. Eternal life is not earned by what you do, but once you have it your behavior should show it (cf. Eph 2:8-10).
2. God's goodness demands your obedience. The best response to God's goodness is your love. If you love Him, keep His commandments (Jn 14:15).
3. Obedience is incomplete without surrender. Similar to the rich young ruler, there are those today who exhibit external compliance without internal surrender. You don't have the luxury to receive eternal life and then live how you please. There must be total surrender (cf. Mt 6:21, 24).
4. Don't expect God to let you keep what you haven't given Him. The rich young ruler had money. He trusted in his money. So what did Jesus go after?