A Defining Encounter with Jesus – Abandon to Follow

Text: Matthew 19:16-26

The rich young ruler asked Jesus

The Question: “What good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?”

Jesus'responds “KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS”

#1 To follow Jesus we must relinquish the

DESIRE FOR OUR OWN SELF-DETERMINATION

Note: Eternal Life is not earned. The keeping of the

commandments requires a submission to authority.

The rich young ruler was still looking for the terms of the deal, he still saw himself in the driver’s seat.

The rich young ruler replied, “Which ones?”

Jesus responds, “You shall not commit murder; You

shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

#2 To follow Jesus we must relinquish the

SENSE OF OUR OWN SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

Note: The Rich Young Ruler is pretty proud of himself.

Like many today he sees himself as a good person,

perhaps even someone worthy to be looked up to.

He hasn’t done anything REALLY BAD. He is trusting

in his performance and goodness to earn salvation.

In fact he is so confident in his worthiness, he asks

a final question.

The young ruler asks, “What am I still lacking?”

Jesus responds, “If you wish to be complete, go

and sell your possessions and give to the poor,

and you will have treasure in heaven; and come,

follow Me.”

#3 To follow Jesus we must relinquish the

SENSE OF OUR SELF-IDENTITY

The Rich Young Ruler left Grieving

The requirements to follow Jesus have not changed:

Surrender to the will of God by relinquishing our desire for self-determination.
Acceptance of the standards of God by relinquishing our view of our own righteousness.
To be so enthralled with the invitation to follow Jesus that we would gladly abandon any other competing life plan that would present us as anything other than a follower of Jesus.

This man has been remembered as

“The Rich Young Ruler.”

When your story is told,

how do you want to be remembered?

Will your story be told that you were

a follower of Jesus?