THE SADDEST STORY IN THE SCRIPTURE IS ABOUT A PERSON WHO HAD SUCH OPPORTUNITY, AND FAILED SADLY

1. There was a rich (we covet- led to this one's doom) young (worshiped today) ruler (power, authority)
2. Jesus was ministering in Perea (Jordan) - Note tenderness with little children- 13-15 earlier
3. But the interview with the young ruler- in all 3 Synoptics Mark 10:17, Luke 19:18- gives us something to really chew on- its depth, mystery, and application to us all-

I.- THE FIRST QUESTION FROM THE RICH YOUNG RULER? Matt 19:16

Mark says he came running, and knelt before the Lord- eager, enthusiastic, respectful -beauty

A.- "GOOD MASTER, WHAT GOOD THING SHALL I DO THAT I MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?" 16b

1. This was a sincere question- not a trap, came from scribe's concept of life- purchased with work
2. Jesus tried to point him from his exaggerated salutation, high sounding greeting- to God!
3. "There is none good"- (you), none can do good!- he needed a knowledge of sin, & sinfulness

B.- IF YOU WILL EARN YOUR WAY TO LIFE, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS! - v.17b

1. The youth answered- Which- name it and I'll do it- vanity, seeking a new thing to do!
2. The purpose of the law is to show us that we need saving- schoolmaster to bring us to Christ
3. The Scribes all argued over which is the greatest commandment, this boy wanted to know which

C.- JESUS ENUMERATED THE COMMANDMENTS, AND THE BOY VAINLY BOASTED HE HAD KEPT THEM ALL! 18-20

1. Jesus gave the last 6 of the 10 Commandments - man's dealing with man! -human relationships
2. The young man was full of pride, perfectionism, and blindness- intoxicated judgement of youth
3. What lack I yet? -v.20 But he still knew he was lacking - his heart was not satisfied!

Many people today have gone the same route but their hearts are still empty- only Jesus-

II.- THE SECOND QUESTION FROM THE LORD: Matt 19:21-

Mark tells us Jesus loved this young man,- and He opened to him discipleship in fullest form

A.- JESUS ASKED HIM TO DO ONE THING, HE CHALLENGED HIM TO SHOW HIM HIS NEED, BUT SINCERE OFFER.

1. If thou wilt be perfect- go, sell, give, & follow me! - choice- treasure on earth or heaven?
2. This young man was swelled up with his own importance- Jesus knew his heart- cut off wealth
3. Others have heard this call- and followed the Lord- Matt, Peter, Paul, our missionaries-

B.- THE YOUNG MAN WENT AWAY SORROWING, FOR HE HAD GREAT POSSESSIONS v.22 - HE CHOSE THIS WORLD

1. With this request of the Lord denied the young man collapsed his enthusiasm, suffered loss
2. The Scribes even had a rule- give only 20%, for it is a terrible shame to be poor-
3. His sin was worse than murder, adultery,-etc. - for he deliberately chose to say NO to Jesus

C.- WITH SORROW, JESUS GAVE HIS MINI-PARABLE ABOUT THE CAMEL AND THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE -23b,24

1. It is not impossible for a rich man to be saved- Peter, Matt.- Joseph of Arimathea, etc.- 
2. The explanation of the parable may have been the little door in city gate- camel, unloaded, & kneeling
3. The fact remains- Christianity has often been a poor man's religion- rich men try to buy way in

What makes it especially hard,- we are all very rich today according to men's standards -time

III.- THE THIRD QUESTION FROM THE DISCIPLES  v. 25

The disciples were all amazed,- they were all fairly wealthy by their own standards,- what?

A.- THE QUESTION THAT STUMPED THEIR MINDS- WITH THIS TRUTH, THEN WHO CAN BE SAVED? v.125b

1. These disciples were troubled,- they realized their lack- if rich young ruler flunked- they ?
2. Today many men become more self centered when they get a little $$, they are unfaithful
3. Many of today's pet vices take a lot of money, and money opens doors to temptations

B.- JESUS ANSWERED "WITH MEN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" v.26

1. These men should have know that all had sinned,- there is none righteous, none worth saving
2. There are resolutions, reforms, new leafs on life, but all fail- all leave heart empty
3. There is only one place you can come to find healing for the human heart- to Jesus

C.- PETER ANSWERED, "WE HAVE FORSAKEN ALL AND FOLLOWED THEE, WHAT SHALL WE HAVE THEREFORE?"

1. This was a true statement, but it even reveals the weakness of the heart of Peter.-
2. Jesus gives them the eternal law of sacrifice- v.29 -We need to learn this today!-
3. But knowing human hearts,- God calls the order v.30 -His sovereignty & grace leads all

Salvation is through personal faith in Jesus- and let Him call you to discipleship

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION IS "CAN GOD SAVE YOU?" AND THE ANSWER IS UP TO YOU!

1. The question of your sin reaches all the way back to the cross- Repent, Confess, Be Saved
2. The only way of Salvation- is not through your works, but through Jesus Christ-
3. The question of discipleship- "take up your cross and follow Jesus".-