WS Chronicle

By Elder Richard Wayne Wood

Scriptures: Matthew 19:16-30 

By the end of this lesson, we will:  

*Identify the Old Testanment commandments Jesus cited; 

*Explain what Jesus meant by “first being last and last being first”;   

*Identify any “do more to get right with God” habits in one’s life and seek the Spirit’s guidance in breaking free of it. 

Background: The passages of the lesson “The Rich and the Kingdom of God” addresses questions and long-held beliefs of God’s people at the time. The story is not to convey that believers need to give away all their possessions to get into heaven. It is intended rather, to show that Jesus cared about the hearts of those who were following Him. Jesus knew that the rich young man’s heart was preoccupied with his wealth. Jesus showed him that right standing with God flows from a pure heart, not merely following the law. Self-righteousness is often the result of one’s strict adherence to the law – thinking one can attain right standing by their own strength. Followers of Jesus are expected to rely on Jesus alone as the one and only way to heaven, and to have a heart for God and His kingdom before all else. 

Lesson: A Seekers Inquiry (Matthew 19:16-22). “And behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life” (verse 16). The question itself shows the seeker has a firm belief in what is known as eternal life. It also shows that he believes it can be won by some one good deed of exceptional and heroic goodness. “And He said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God; but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (verse 17). Jesus says with regards to goodness, God and human beings belong in different categories. Jesus is not denying who He is but informing the rich man that all but God are sinners. “Keep the commandments” – If eternal life was to be won by doing – then why ask a teacher for a new way? Jesus wanted to impress on the young man both the high standards required by God and the futility of seeking salvation by his own merits. “He saith unto Him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt not…” (verses 18-19). In response to his question “Which?” Jesus quoted five of the six commandments of the second table of the Ten Commandments – all dealing with human relationships and He added Leviticus 19:18. “The young man saith unto Him, All these things have I kept from my youth up. What lack I yet? (verse 20). The self-righteous young man would not, or could not admit his own sin, but he knew something was lacking. “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. And come and follow me” (verse 21). Jesus knows every person’s heart and He knows the areas that prevents us from being perfect. Jesus exposes the man’s heart by his action – refusal  to obey – showed two things 1) he was not blameless as far as the law was concerned, because he was guilty of loving himself and his possessions more than his neighbors; and 2) he lacked true faith, which involves a willingness to surrender all at Christ’s bidding – Jesus demands that the believer give Him first place in their hearts. “Come and follow me” – this is really the answer to his question in verse 16; it was a call to faith, but the young man’s possessions were his stumbling block. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (verse 22). The young man walked away in unbelief, rather than acknowledging his sinfulness and coming to Christ for salvation – which he sought. 

The Savior’s Instruction (verses 23-30). “Then said Jesus to His disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” (verse 23). Jesus has now turned from the rich man and is instructing his disciples, correcting some erroneous beliefs. In biblical times wealth was deemed proof of God’s approval, and those who had it could give more alms, it was commonly thought that rich people were the most likely candidates for heaven. “And again, I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (verse 24). He says it twice – making the point that God’s kingdom is hard to reach for the rich because they inevitably trust in the security of wealth, rather than in God alone. The camel and the needle are an absurd juxtaposition, very large and very small, but the mental image is invaluable. There is much written on “eye of a needle,” but the point is clear. “When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Whom then can be saved? (verse 25). This was the right question; it showed that they got the point. Since who they thought would go to heaven had been declared unworthy – who was? “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (verse 26). Only God has strength regarding salvation – salvation is only possible through divine grace. “Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (verse 27).  Peter, ever the mouthpiece, points out that they (the twelve) had already done what Christ commanded of the rich man. They had embarked on the life of faith with Christ. So how do things stand with them in contrast to the rich man? “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (verse 28). When Jesus says “regeneration” here, He is speaking of “the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time” (Acts 3:21). See also (Revelation 3:21, 20:1-15).  “And everyone that hath forsaken houses … for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall, inherit everlasting life” (verse 29). There will be universal honor for all who sacrifice for Jesus’ sake, whatever has been given up for Him will be returned to us a hundred times over – in addition to everlasting life. NOTE: “Hundredfold” is obviously not literal in a material sense; Jesus will do more than make up what we have given up for His sake, but the return may be spiritual instead of material. Hundredfold certainty is literally true in the spiritual sense. “But many that are first shall be last, and last shall be first” (verse 30). As complicated as it seems, this statement means simply – that everyone ends up the same, a truth that is explained by Jesus in a parable in Matthew 20:16. Everyone finishes in equal standing ‘it’s a “dead heat.” Such is the grace of God. (Standard Lesson Commentary 2024-2025, The MacArthur Study Bible, The Tony Evans Study Bible, The Jesus Bible, Experiencing God Bible, Ellicott’s Bible Commentary and The Oxford Bible Commentary).  

For Your Consideration: Do you own possessions, or do possessions own you? What prevents you from being a fully committed and surrendered disciple of Jesus? 

Application: Consider with prayer and supplication how you adjust from pursuing your agenda and begin to seek God’s will.    

FYI: Forsyth County Sunday School Union meets in person every third Sunday, 1:30 p.m. at a member church. Contact your Sunday School superintendent for more information.