Rich Young Ruler talks with Jesus
Do rich people go to Heaven?
Many point to this verse, but forget Abraham was rich, Lydia, and others noted in Scripture.
"it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" Luke 18:25
It doesn't say no rich person will enter Heaven.
Just consider the man's original question to Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18). “In keeping with his legalistic system of self-righteousness, he sought that one elusive good work that would push him over the top to obtain eternal life for himself.” (1)
The obvious point of that picturesque expression of hyperbole is not that salvation is difficult, but rather that it is humanly impossible for everyone by any means, including the wealthy. Sinners are aware of their guilt and fear, and may even desire a relationship with God that would bring forgiveness and peace. But they cannot hold on to their sinful priorities and personal control and think they can come to God on their own terms. The young man illustrates that reality.(1)
Tragically, a wrong interpretation of this text not only promotes error, it becomes a missed opportunity for worship. How so?
Luke 18:25 is one of the clearest testimonies from our Lord on the inability of man to do anything to save himself. This doctrine of total inability is a vital component to the gospel; it highlights the impossibility of salvation apart from a sovereign work of God in a person’s heart. More than that it highlights God’s grace in that He does do that work. For that reason this text should lead to humble praise of our God and Savior.(1)
Understand This Better
It is not saying go give everything material away, or give $ to buy blessing nor salvation, just like that isnt what was being said about the widows last penny.
Sermon:
16: The rich man came to Jesus. He recognized Jesus was good.
17: Jesus said only God is good, and then answered his question.
Jesus was saying if you see and state that I am good, you recognize rightly that I AM God.
Jesus answers him as God & tells him how to enter Heaven; eternal life.
A. He reveals the man's sins by stating the Commandments & clearly shows the man he is not good as he proclaimed himself self-righteously to be.
A1. He reveals the mans sins to show him his utter depravity, his guilt.
A2. Jesus would've told him how to be saved, but the man proclaimed his own goodness & was full of self righteousness – not broken over his sins. And claiming to have kept the 10 commandments perfectly, he revealed his pride, self righteousness, error and that he had no need for a Savior, because he thought he was good to go.
A3. Jesus then went deeper to the mans love of the things of the world & not
the love of God
the love of others either (love one another)
for he would not rather sell all and give it to those in need, but instead desired to and preferred to cling to his worldly possessions. And clung to that to make it what he put his trust in. He trusted in his money and status on earth. The temporary over the eternal.
I feel sad for this man. He had an incredible opportunity to be with Jesus during his earthly ministry, to walk with God for 3 years, and all the amazing things we (who were not there) never had opportunity to experience. He lost an amazing opportunity.
He chose 50 years of useless temporary things of this world, over an eternity with God. And today I am sure he seriously regrets it. Hell is eternal. It is not worth it.
A4. He did not obey Jesus. He told him to get rid of and leave the mindset of valuing the things of this world and to “come follow me”. To Value God and follow Jesus.
A5. All of Scripture tells sinners to repent and come follow the Messiah. In NT it says come follow the revealed Messiah – Jesus Christ. The rich man chose not to follow Jesus.
A6. had the man left the worldly things behind and followed Jesus, he couldve become a Disciple or Apostle. Though we know that is not what was ordained, but he would have been a disciple for sure if he had obeyed Jesus call to “come follow me”.
1. But Jesus did not come for those who were self righteous, but the humble, the ones who know they are sinners and are in need of the Savior. Only the sick need the Physician. Those who don't think they are sick, wont see their need for the cure.
Don't make the same mistake.
The point Scripture makes on Salvation:
*All need Jesus as Savior, redeemer.
* Repent and believe the Gospel
*You must be born again
* The path to salvation is narrow, few will enter.
*Salvation is possible, by God.
Scripture says to obey the Gospel. Those who dont, wont enter in. I hope you will.
Related Resources
Sermon on this passage Part 1. Part 2. Part 3
Footnotes
(1) John MacArthur & Cameron Buettel, gty.org
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