"ONE THING THOU LACKEST"

The story of the rich young ruler must be important, for it is recorded in the Bible. And it must be very important, indeed, for it is found in all three of the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 19; Mark 10; Luke 18). Furthermore, the context is the same in all three: this story follows a saying about little children; it precedes a statement of Jesus' own impending death.

Body

I. THE RULER APPROACHES JESUS WITH A QUESTION: "GOOD MASTER, WHAT GOOD THING MUST I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?"

   A. On the surface this was a fine question and a reverent approach.

   B. Actually, however, it misses the real issue and betrays a self-righteous spirit. He see Jesus as like himself. Jesus is "good" by his standards - but so is he! If Jesus is "good" master, the man expects to do a "good" thing as well!

   C. The ruler expects a lofty pronouncement, not a divine imperative. He looks for an academic answer to an academic question. He wants the answer on his own terms. He is not ready to ask this question of Jesus - yet.

II. JESUS RESPONDS, BUT CHANGES THE THRUST OF THE QUESTION: "WHY CALL ME GOOD? ONLY GOD IS GOOD, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS."

   A. This is not academic, it is practical obedience. Keep the commandments! And that means all of them, all the time, and altogether. If one is to be good in terms of law, he must maintain a perfect record (Galatians 3:10; James 2:10).

   B. Jesus replies more to the thought than to the word. "Why call me good?"

        1. If Jesus is really "good," then He is God, and the ruler needs to change his approach to Him.

        2. If Jesus is only "good" as the man is good, then neither is really good.

        3. This is a matter of facing God - not of creating itemized goodness in human terms.

III. THE YOUNG MAN COMES BACK, STILL NOT UNDERSTANDING: "ALL THIS HAVE I DONE WHAT LACK I STILL?"

   A. He recognizes something still missing. This is commendable, and prepares him for a greater realization still to come.

   B. Is he approaching "childlikeness" (see the verses just before this story in all three Gospels) and now asking the proper question? Or does he still misunderstand the point of true "goodness," simply seeking another item that he can do and be "good?" Perhaps we learn that it is the latter, from the end of the story.

IV. JESUS' FINAL STATEMENT: "SELL WHAT YOU HAVE AND GIVE IT TO THE POOR, THEN COME FOLLOW ME."

   A. We fall into the same snare as this man if we take this as one more "item" to do which will insure eternal life. Jesus is not saying that poverty is the way to heaven. He is saying that it is for this man the way to discipleship, which leads to heaven. It is for him the renunciation of his own self, for he trusted in his possessions.

   B. Jesus is saying that eternal life is only through the Son of God and total surrender to Him; it is not through good behavior or morality.

   C. There is now no retreat. No more questions for Jesus from this man. Will the young man accept or reject this radical teaching? He went away very sorrowful.

   D. Childlikeness is often lost when God's total control over life is demanded. It is much easier to "keep the commandments" than surrender all to the Son of God. The heart of the "rich young ruler" was not "young" enough - as a little child!

   E. Discipleship is not hero-worship of a good master; it is surrender of one's self to the Son of God who only is truly good. Only when one has done this is he ready to ask, "What item do I lack?"

   F. In the verses following, Jesus shows the true meaning of a childlike heart in His own statement about going to the cross. The story of the ruler ties together the verses before it and after it.

Conclusion

Have you really surrendered to the Son of God, or are you seeking "itemized goodness" by your own performance and law-keeping? Decide now to give your heart to Jesus Christ, then ask Him, "what do I do now?"

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