READ
Luke 18:18-30
CONSIDER
This week, Pastor Fabian will be preaching through the story of the Rich Young Ruler from Luke 18:18-30. Matthew, Mark and Luke all highlight different aspects of the story (Matthew calls him young, Luke notes that he is a ruler). The common thread through this story is that the man asks how he can inherit eternal life and Jesus teaches about how we are called to live now in light of the kingdom of God.
Before you come to worship this Sunday, read through Luke’s account of the story and spend time reflecting upon how we are called to live differently in light of this story.
Happy New Year in advance and looking forward to worshiping together on Sunday.
Pastor Tim Sreedharan
PRAY
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. – Matthew 6:9-13
Father, may your kingdom come on this earth and may your will be done. We pray that the gospel will transform us now in this life as we experience your abundant and eternal life, now and forevermore. By your grace, help us to surrender as the rich, young ruler was unable to do in that moment. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
Read v18. When people talk about eternal life, what do they usually mean? Give a simple definition of eternal life.
Look at v19-22. If Jesus is (in v19) reminding the man to keep the Law (10 commandments), what does v22 teach us about what it means to follow Jesus?
Read v23-25. What dangers of wealth are outlined in this passage? Whether we are rich or poor (and in North America, most of us are relatively rich), what does this parable teach us about the pitfalls of wealth in the kingdom of God?
What does Peter’s response in v28 teach us about the nature of following Jesus?
The ruler asks how to inherit eternal life (v18). How does the response of Jesus (particularly v29-30) expand how eternal life should be understood? How does this change the way we live?