1. “THE RICH YOUNG RULER”
Reading: Mark 10:17-22

2. “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone…

3. …You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.’”  “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”  

4. …Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said
…Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”   At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

5. He seemed to have everything:
HE WAS RICH (Mark 10: …he had great wealth)

6. HE WAS YOUNG (Matthew 19:22 …the young man)

7. HE WAS A RULER (Luke 18:18 – “A certain ruler…)

8. HE WAS RELIGIOUS (Mark 10:19, 20 – I have observed from youth…

9. 1. THE YOUNG MAN’S RESPECT
The right approach (Mark 10:17 – …good teacher)
He realised his need (Mark 10: …what shall I do?)

10. 2. THE LORD’S RESPONSE
Jesus responded lovingly (Vs 21 – ‘Jesus looked at him and loved him.’)
Jesus pointed at the need Vs 21 – ‘one thing you lack’

11. 3. THE YOUNG MAN’S REGRET
He received an answer he didn’t expect! (sell, give, take up your cross and follow me)
He was committed to the wrong thing (his riches had become his god)

12. CONCLUSION
What hinders you from receiving God’s best for your life this morning?