2. Who doesn’t want eternal life?
I find myself thinking or talking to someone about ‘eternal life’ at some point each week.
I also find myself comparing my walk with God with the teachings of Jesus to those he spoke about regarding ‘eternal life’.
And, I find that whether it is me – or those I speak with – we all want to know how we can “obtain eternal life”

3. (Good) Teacher, what (good) shall I do to inherit eternal life
(Good) Teacher, what (good) shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Matt 19:16) (Mk 10:17, Lk 10:18)

4. Eternal life is all about kingdom (living)
If you want to enter the kingdom: “keep the commandments.” Matt 19:16-19
Is that all?
It is if nothing else stood between you and God.
For the rich man, however, his wealth was this man’s idol/god. Matt 19:21-24

5. The real question: who can obtain salvation
The real question: who can obtain salvation? Not possible with people, but with God all things are possible Matt 19:16, 25-26

6. Kingdom Living = becoming last
Followers of Jesus:
“We have left everything and followed you”: I don’t depend on myself… I depend on God. Cp. Matt 4:3-4
In following Jesus – they live (think, behave) like Him.
The outcome: “In the regeneration” Matt 19:28-30
“You who follow Me…” will reign with Christ. V. 28
Inherit eternal life. V. 29
“Many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” v. 30

7. The rich can “follow Jesus” Parable: “Laborers in the vineyard” (Matt 20:1-16)
NOTE: this parable has multiple messages and allusions: from the landowner’s vs. laborer’ perspectives.
Another message: how those in “the kingdom of heaven” follow God’s gracious behavior toward others.

8. Citizens of the “Last, being first”
Jesus’ example. Phil. 2:5ff
Who emptied Himself.
Obedient (to death of self).
Exalted by God.
Followers of Jesus: cp. Acts 4:32-35
Empty ourselves… and follow Jesus
Keep the commandments.