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April, 1938
mortality for the delight of the spirit. But of them it can be said, as of the young man, they “ went away” without the proffered aid, because they would not obey the com mands of the Lord. IV. T he P erilous L oad (23-27) Nearly everybody, especially in these days of materialistic thinking, looks upon riches as being highly desirable, and the man who amasses a great fortune is regarded as the ideal of success. But riches may be peril ous to the soul. In the case before us, they drew the young man away from the only Source of light and life, and dragged him toward the gloom of eternal death. Who can measure the extent of the dissatisfac tion of this young man when he must stand alone, without the things he so fondly grasped? But let us remember that Jesus has no beatitude that runs: Blessed are ye poor, and cursed are ye rich. He does teach that a curse attaches to one’s trust in riches. Christ does not tell every rich man to sell what he has, and give the proceeds away; but He does demand that His disciples shall have no other god before Him. V. T he P rofitable I nvestment (28-31) Christ does not say that the leaving of all to follow Him will in itself bring eternal reward. One can leave much and receive nothing, if the forsaking is done for selfish reasons. But when left “ for my sake, and the gospel’s,” the relinquished good will bear everlasting dividends. Material riches may be a great blessing or a great curse, either turning one from discipleship or to ward it. The amount does not matter; the poor may trust in riches just as sadly as do the rich; it is the spirit in which wealth is considered that decides the outcome. Points and Problems 1. The story of the rich young ruler is, in my judgment, the most sadly mistreated passage in the New Testament. The Uni tarian uses it to prove that Jesus is only a man, not God. The legalist uses it to show that salvation is by works, not by free grace. The Socialist uses it to demonstrate that our Lord was the forerunner of Karl Marx. Still others use the passage to prove that a man with money cannot be saved. Even some evangelical interpreters suppose it was the young man’s money that closed the gate of heaven. The false assumption of all these interpretations is that the young man’s approach to Christ was right, when as a matter of •fact it was all wrong. What we must see here is not merely a rich man trying to get into the kingdom of God, but a rich man trying to get in by the ourong gate. Practically everything he said was wrong. Keeping this fact in mind will help greatly in finding the true meaning of the passage. 2. It will also help to read all three ac counts of the incident and note the things peculiar to each. See Matthew 19:19 for the last command quoted by our Lord to the young man: “ Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Only Matthew records this sentence, and it explains the strange counsel, “ Sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor” (Mk. 10:21). The young man claimed to have kept the command-
in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Golden Text: “ Come, '. . . follow me” (Mk. 10:21). Devotional Reading: John 15:8-16. Outline and Exposition I. A G reat Q uestion (17) T HE manner of this young man is to be commended. He came running, indicating an eager desire for knowl edge. He kneeled, showing his reverence for and a certain belief in Jesus. Finally, he asked, revealing his attention and his interest. His question revealed both his dissatis faction and his ignorance. Seemingly, he had everything to satisfy him— youth, health, wealth, position, morality. But he was not satisfied. And his ignorance was revealed in that he came to Jesus as to a mere teacher of truth, not as the divine Son of God. II. A P lain A nswer (18-21) First, Jesus referred him to God (v. 18). The young man thought himself good, but he learned that there is only One good, that is, God. Second, Jesus referred him to the second table of the law, or man’s relation to man (v. 19). T o this series of commands, the young man Could say, “ A ll these have I observed” (v. 20). But, like many today, the young man found that being right with man did not necessarily make one right with God. Third, Jesus referred him to the first table of the law, or man’s relation to God (v. 21). Here was teaching amazing in simplicity; there was about it no mystic or deep philosophy. It was simply another way of saying, “ If any man will to do his will, he shall know” (John 7:17). Amazing also was this teaching in regard to its requirement of forsaking all outward pos sessions, and renouncing all inward good ness. This necessity proved to be repelling to Christ’s listener. Both God and the man’s possessions were saying to the young man, “ Thou shalt have no other gods be fore me.” III. T he S ad O utcome (22) He went away “ grieved.” And he took away with him all of his admitted good ness, his clean record, his high aspirations, his splendid character, as well as his money. But with it all, he took away grief. He left with the same dissatisfied heart with which he came, and of what value were things when the spirit was grieved? He “ went away” also with his guilt and in his bondage. He was guilty, because he was now clearly disobedient to God. And he was in bondage because he did not own his riches; they owned him; he could not do with them as he willed, they were doing with him as they willed. They entangled his heart. Like this unhappy inquirer, many today are attracted to Jesus by the promise of rest from the turmoil of life, and of im
Another New Book by the Author of The Romance of a Doctor’s Visits, Miracles in a Doctor’s Life, The Doctor’s Best Love Story, etc. —Walter L. Wilson, M.D., of Kansas City, Mo. A SURE REMEDY Prescribed by the Doctor 12 Unique Gospel Messages, such as A Grave in a Garden, A Cure for Troubled Hearts, Angels for Pallbearers, A Precious Death, A Drink, A Foun tain, A River, etc. 127 pages; attractive paper covers in two colors, 20 cents; 10 copies of four Wilson books, assorted, in neat box, $1.80 net, prepaid. The Bible Institute Colportage Ass’n 810 North Wells St. Chicago SOUTHAFRICA GENERAL MISSION 23 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, N. Y. “ How can I except some man should guide me” ; said the AFRICAN to Phil ip. “How shall they hear without a preacher” ; said Paul. Thousands o f na tive AFRICANS are waiting to hear of Jesus. The S.A.G.M. is pioneering in uncovered territories, and through its band of faithful workers seeking to make Christ known. Information will be furnished on request. SOU TH LAND H O TE L MRS. R. A. GREEN Proprietor 605 SOUTH FLOWER STREET LOS ANGELES, CALIF. One block west of Bible Institute Soliciting the business of particular Christians THE A M A Z IN G BIBLE M O N E Y M A K I N G O P P O R T U N I T Y MEN - W OMEN: Wanted by established, successful firm now expanding. Experience in our field not necessary. Instructions and help furnished. Tell us all about yourself. Address, Sales Dept., 603 P H IL A D EL P H IA B IB LE HOUSE 1211 Chestnut SL Philadelphia, Pa. U n ion L e sson H e l p s on the International Uniform Lessons are ROOTED in the BIBLE COMFORTABLE — CLEAN INEXPENSIVE
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