Poor Rich Man

October 5, 2014

Mark 10:17-24 [Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-25]

We know from Matthew 19:22 this man was young. Luke 18:18 says he was a ruler (probably in the synagogue). Luke 18:23 says he was “very rich.” Putting these verses together we call this man “the rich young ruler.” People who knew this man might say he was a man who had it all! He had YOUTH… RICHES… and POWER— A rare combination of qualities to be found in someone who is young.

In spite of his position in society, his morality, and his religion, he recognized he did not have eternal life. There must come a point in every person’s life when they recognize three things:

1. You are going to stand before God (Heb. 9:27). Someone asked Daniel Webster, “What is the greatest thought that has ever past through your mind?” Webster replied: “The greatest thought that has ever passed through my mind is the thought that one day… I am go- ing to have to give a personal account of my life before God.”

2. You are going to spend eternity somewhere.

3. Eternal life is not inherent in your life—It must be received (as a gift—Romans 6:23).

I. He LONGED for the right thing (v. 17).

A. He is to be COMMENDED for coming to Christ.

He came to the right person.
He came running. There was urgency in his coming.
He came for the right thing—Having eternal life.
Hec ame humbly—He knelt. I wish there were more reverence towards the things of God among young people today!
He came unashamedly—He made no attempt to hide his need. He knelt out in the open. (Not like Nicodemus who came privately at night.)
He came when he was young. This is the best time to come to Christ, when you have your whole life ahead of you. Many young people (and older people) are not concerned about eternity. They think they have plenty of time. They live for only this present world.
He came respectfully—He addressed Jesus as“Good master…”

B. He was CHALLENGED concerning his recognition of Christ (v. 18).