Five Followers: “The Rich Young Ruler” The three would-be followers in Luke Elisha in 1 Kings

Matthew “a young man” (vv 20 and 22) Luke “a ruler” (v.18) Mark “a man” (v.17) - So we deduce Rich Young Ruler

What we can tell about the man: Healthy: “there came one running” Wealthy: “he had great possessions” Wise: He kept the Law “since he was a boy”

The Importance of Context Matthew ; Mark ; Luke “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

One detail exclusively in Mark’s account “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him.

Jesus’ verdict on the young man “One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have … Then come, follow me.” Jesus offers no compromise to his followers

The three would-be followers Would-be follower #1: “I will follow you wherever you go.” “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

The three would-be followers Would-be follower #2 “Follow me.” “Let me first go and bury my father.” “Let the dead bury their dead: you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

The three would-be followers Would-be follower #3: “I will follow you Lord, but let me first go back and say goodbye to my family.” “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Elisha was ploughing with 12 yoke of oxen, and he was behind the twelfth pair. = the youngest and least important. Elijah went up and threw his cloak around him. Elisha left his oxen – “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will come with you.” - seems like the third follower. But: Then Elisha took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the ploughing equipment to cook the meat. - no going back to farming.

Would-be Follower #1: Warning: Count the Cost Would-be Follower #2: “let me first”: Side-tracked through obligations and responsibilities Would-be Follower #3: “let me first” : Jesus requires priority even over family

The rich young ruler: Attached to materialism, contrasted with the simple obedience of a child.

Elisha: Said goodbye to family and to profession in order to obey God, whatever the cost.