Bible Studies for Life: July 5

Speaking Truth • Luke 18:18-30

By Jessica McMillan

McMillan

Have you ever met someone who just was not interested in the life-changing power of Jesus? Maybe you were that person once. The Bible tells us that not everyone who is invited to follow Jesus actually does. This week’s passage is part of a longer chapter that includes Jesus using a parable to teach about prayer and persistence (18:1–8), followed by another story about humility and self-righteousness (9-14). After that, he continues to teach on the importance of childlike faith as he blesses the little children that the religious leaders wanted to prohibit (15-17). That brings us to the focus of this week’s lesson — a question from a rich political figure about how to inherit eternal life. 

Luke 18:18-23

To initiate the question, the man attempts flattery. “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Unimpressed, Jesus immediately points to the goodness of God alone and redirects him in verse 20 to the Ten Commandments. Remember, they are: 

  1. No other gods
  2. No idols
  3. No taking God’s name in vain
  4. Keep the Sabbath holy
  5. Honor father/mother
  6. Don’t murder
  7. Don’t commit adultery
  8. Don’t steal
  9. Don’t bear false witness
  10. Don’t covet

In his response to the man’s question, Jesus starts halfway through the commandments. Why did he do this? Look back at the list and notice that the first half refers to how we relate to God, and the second half is about how we relate to other people. By starting with the second half, Jesus knew what the man would confirm with his reply in verse 21, “All these I have kept since I was a boy.” He had been a successful rule-follower since childhood, but that is not where his problem lay. Perhaps Jesus began with the commandments concerning relationships with other people because they would lead naturally to exposing the deeper issue of the man’s relationship with God.

Interestingly, a good summation of the Ten Commandments can be found in Matthew 22:36-40 in what is known as the greatest commandment — to love God with all you are (how we relate to God) and to love your neighbor as yourself (how we relate to other people). These are inseparable, and Jesus knew that the root of this man’s issue was that he loved “things” more than he loved God and others.

Verse 22 does not indicate that it is wrong to be wealthy. Jesus knew the area of idolatry for this man, which was his wealth, and he called on him to relinquish it. If we are going to be truly submitted to God, we must be willing to let go of the things that we value most. This rich man just couldn’t bring himself to do it. He left sorrowful because he was unwilling to surrender the very thing that had captured his heart. The way to eternal life is through faith in Jesus, and genuine faith is expressed through wholehearted surrender to him. 

Luke 18:24-27

Jesus had already given this warning previously: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13 NIV). So the question posed by someone in the crowd makes sense from the perspective of those watching this encounter, “Who then can be saved?” (v 26). If the wealthy and powerful people among them can’t get into heaven, then who can? The love of wealth or anything that takes God’s rightful place in our hearts can be an obstacle to receiving God’s grace.

Luke 18:28-30

Peter, who was there with the other disciples during this encounter, characteristically speaks up impulsively to inquire, in essence, if they have accomplished what Jesus was asking of the rich man. Jesus confirms to Peter and all those listening that those who follow him wholeheartedly receive benefits both now and for eternity. 

The rich ruler thought he was doing well and living the right life. Jesus extended the invitation to follow him and relinquish what the man deemed most important. May we be willing to abandon the things in our lives — possessions, attitudes, achievement, finances, relationships, etc. — that can steal our affection and focus away from being wholehearted followers of Jesus.

McMillan is on faculty at NOBTS and is a member of Roseland Park Baptist Church, Picayune.