[:en]The Rich Ruler (vs. 18-30)
A rich ruler asked Jesus: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 18)? Jesus told him to keep the commandments which he said he already did. So Jesus said: “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (v. 22) When he heard this, he became very sad because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said: “How hard is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Indeed, 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” (vs. 24-25)
Wealth represents power, authority and success. That is why it is very difficult for the wealthy people to realize their need for salvation. However, Jesus said: “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (v. 27) He was saying that it is still possible for the rich to realize his need to come to Jesus.
Peter and His disciples left all they had to follow Jesus. So Jesus assured them that they will be rewarded with blessings in this life and in the life to come.
Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Savior? Are you willing to abandon earthly things to follow Him? Following Christ has its benefits and sacrifices. But any believer who has given up everything to follow Christ will be paid back in this life as well as in the next.
Jesus Again Predicts His Death (vs. 31-34)
Jesus foretold the disciples that the prophesies written by the prophets about Him will soon be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him, insult Him, spit on Him. flog Him and kill Him. But on the third day He will rise again. This prediction has already been fulfilled because Jesus had died and resurrected.
A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight (vs. 35-43)
A blind beggar was sitting by the roadside in Jericho begging. When he heard Jesus coming, he called out for Jesus to have mercy on Him. People rebuked him and told him to keep quiet. But he shouted the more. Jesus stopped and asked him what he wanted. He said: “Lord, I want to see” (v. 41). Then Jesus said to him: “Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you” (v. 42)
No matter how desperate your situation may seem, if you call out to Jesus in faith, He will surely come to assist you.
Contrast between the beggar and the rich young man: (Warren Wierse)
- The beggar was poor yet he became rich with restored eyesight while the young man was rich but he became eternally poor
- The beggar claimed no special merit and openly admitted his need while the young man lied about himself and bragged about his character
- The beggar believed and followed Jesus with songs of praise while the young man hesitated to follow Jesus and went away very sad.
Similarities between the Widow, the Tax Collector, the Children, and the Blind man: (Warren Wiersbe)
- The widow was not discouraged by the indifferent attitude of the judge
- The Tax Collector did not mind the hypothetical attitude of the Pharisees
- The parents brought their children to Jesus in spite of the selfish attitude of the Apostles
- The Blind man came to Jesus despite of the hostile attitude of the crowd telling him to keep quiet and stay put.
Application:
- Do not allow any attitude of people hinder you from coming to Christ.
- Watch your attitude towards others. Do not become a stumbling block for people who want to come to Jesus.
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