Much more value than even our dearest relationships.ī. The rich young ruler could not leave his wealth, but the kingdom is of so The kingdom of God is more valuable than house, wife, brothers, parents orĬhildren. Peter said, “We have left everything and followed You” (Lk. But we must accept ourselves as sinners (Lk. But acceptance of the grace of God is radically Honor father and mother-it has been given to God (Matt. Adultery-give a certificate and divorce her (Matt. Having commandments is one thing, but checking off all the boxes is insufficient.Īnd that’s exactly what Pharisees did (note Lk. Right thing, not because there are rules but because that’s the sort of people theyĬ. Only healthy when the people who are running it are people you can trust to do the We’ve lost the sense that character matters that integrity matters. Rules is all right as far as it goes, but the real problem in the last generation is that What’s the point of that?” What’s the answer? “Character,” he said. Them to, and then go around the back of the system and do what they want. Smart accountant and lawyer to help them tick all the boxes the government tells But any banker or mortgage broker can easily hire a We do need some guidelines putīack in place we went too far, giving people freedom to gamble with huge sums of Introduce as many new regulations as they like. Had with a banker after the financial crash of 2008. Wright defined character well when he told a story about a conversation he This kind of valuation is a reflection of our character.ī. It is more valuable than anything else.ģ. The kingdom is so valuable that we should give up all for it. Of the word, the value of the kingdom and the value of kingdom citizens.ġ. Recently in our study of the parables Jesus’ attention has been focused on the value Character goes deeper than the commandments and taps into our core values.Ī. Than because we keep the commandments (cf. It is not unusual for us good people to think we are better This man is keenly aware of the commandments.

Not be set by the standard values to which the ruler pays homage. “rabbi,” or “Dr.” But Jesus sets the stage that this interaction will When he identifies Jesus as “good teacher” some have seen in this recognition of Saw life in terms of the future, a fact to which we all need to give attention.Ĭ.

This young ruler recognized that what he did in this life was critical to the next. And in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (LK. He taught it in the parable of the unrighteous steward (Lk 16:9.ī. Jesus obviously accepted this perspective.Ī. Take that to mean they believed in a life hereafter.Ģ. The Pharisees particularly believed in a resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:8) and I This is an approach based on the revelation of Scripture.ġ. Eternal life is equivalent to “heaven” (22), “the kingdom of God” (24), and “salvation” (27).Ī. The rich young ruler approached this life as preparing for “eternal life” (18). The story of the rich young ruler teaches us of the challenges facing those with status, who would justify themselves valuing other things more than the kingdom of God. The one with no status (15ff), no justification (13ff) and no protection (3ff) is protected, justified and valued by the Lord.Ĥ. These two parables are then followed by a statement about entering the kingdom as a little child. Second, he records a parable about the prayers of the Pharisee and the publican that ends with the statement “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (18:14).ģ. First he records a parable about God’s great desire to bring deliverance for those oppressed (18:1-8). Luke tells this story in a context addressing the magnificence of the graciousness of God.Ģ. The Rich Young Ruler, A Story About Characterġ.

Rich young ruler