Lindsey Blair and Bobby Gilles recap and discuss Pastor Bobby's sermon from Mark 10:17-31.
Lindsey Blair and Bobby Gilles recap and discuss Pastor Bobby's sermon from Mark 10:17-31.
Lindsey: Welcome to the Midweek Checkup. My name is Lindsey Blair and I’m joined by Bobby Gilles. This past Sunday, this very fellow preached verses seventeen through thirty-one from Mark Ten.
Bobby: I said that if we trust the king we will gain the kingdom. So we must ask ourselves, “Do I trust Jesus? How do I know I trust Jesus?” But if you missed the sermon or need help remembering, sit tight for the Midweek Checkup.
Lindsey: We began by noting that Jesus is talking with a rich young ruler who has kept the Jewish law from his youth. The disciples would have seen his prosperity as a sign of God’s favor on him. But Jesus, who loved him, tells him to give all his money to the poor and follow him. At this the young man went away grieving.
Bobby: Jesus said it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom. But why so strict with the man? Jewish law didn’t make this demand, and nor did Jesus require it of anyone else. In fact when Mary of Bethany later pours expensive perfume on him and the disciples say, “She should have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor,” Jesus defends her. So what is going on?
Lindsey: Mary of Bethany has a revelation of who Jesus is that surpasses most others. She knows the hungry will be filled and the poor will see the king. She is demonstrating her trust in Jesus as that king. Similarly, Peter demonstrated trust in Jesus by leaving behind his fishing net, his means of earning a living, to follow Jesus. So what should the young rich man do? Trust Jesus.
Bobby: All that stuff that the rich guy got so heartbroken about was just clutter in the way of realizing childlike dependence. And that fear (that he wouldn’t be okay without his stuff) was unnecessary. One of the greatest risks for followers of the Jesus movement was rejection from family and friends. Jesus is bringing us into a new family – with one Father - that shares what they have, will lovingly work to alleviate poverty, and will walk with you through persecutions and troubles in this life. A family that will share eternity with you after trouble and persecution is no more, and poverty is erased.
Lindsey: The rich young ruler wasn’t just used to being rich but being in charge. If he gave his riches to the poor, he’d be putting himself into a position of dependence on God’s family. It’s not just that he would no longer be rich. It’s that he would no longer control his own destiny. The best of your trophies and accomplishments will fade. Don’t get so attached to them that you cannot give them up because ultimately, they will not last. Trust Jesus.
Bobby: So I requested you ask yourself two questions: First, “Do I trust Jesus?” Second, “How do I know I trust Jesus?” He knows whether you trust him or not, so the question isn’t for him. This isn’t about proving anything to Jesus. You may not really know until you step out in faith in some way and see how that makes you feel. Could be a big thing or a small thing. Could be related to money or possessions, or it could be something else.
Lindsey: How can you orient your life around following Jesus, like Peter? How can you pour your sacrificial offering of worship on Jesus, like Mary?
If you don’t know, ask him. He loves you. And this Sunday we will learn more about the descent to greatness in our series from the Gospel of Mark, called Kingdom Living. And in Bible Fellowship we’ll continue our Lenten season discussion of psalms. Join us, and bring a friend.