Uncovering the Deeper Issues
I. Mark PRESENTS another Jesus ENCOUNTER. (v.17-31)
A. An EARNEST man with a new QUESTION. (v.17)
B. A RHETORICAL response and a STATEMENT. (v.18-19)
C. Jesus doesn’t DISAGREE, but he REDIRECTS. (v.20-21)
D. The TRUTH cuts DEEP . (v.22-31; Heb 4:12-13)
Mark keeps presenting story after story of Jesus and letting us watch like a fly on the wall at all the differing reactions that people have to Him. Today it’s a wealthy man (Matthew and Luke tell us he is young and person of some authority) who comes to Jesus. He is very earnest and sincere, but that doesn’t keep him from leaving disappointed and sad.
1. Kid’s Question: When have you wanted something but didn’t have enough money to get it?
2. Imagine yourself as a bystander to this interaction. What stands out to you about the conversation between Jesus and this man?
II. The TEMPTATIONS of a SURFACE faith. (v.17-31)
A. Outward ACTS over inward TRANSFORMATION. (v.17,20,22)
B. Overlooking the LIMITATIONS of the LAW. (v.21; Phil. 3:4-9; Gal. 3:24)
C. Losing the PRESENT in the FUTURE. (v.17,21; Mark 1:15; Mt. 12:28)
D. Faith as a TRANSACTION instead of TRANSFORMATION. (v.21; Mt. 23:25-26)
What was the issue here? While the rich young ruler was earnest and asked a question he deeply cared about, there were things in his life beneath the surface that hindered him from responding to Jesus. What can we learn in this story about the levels of faith in our own lives?
3. How can we tell the difference between a faith of outward actions and inward transformation in our own lives?
4. How would you explain the law being our “babysitter” until we come to know Jesus? Are there other things that the law does for us?
5. Is your faith more about the future or the present? How can you know?
III. What is Jesus SAYING to us TODAY?
A. He LOVES people where they ARE. (v.21; Ps. 103:8-14)
B. Yet He CALLS us to look DEEPER. (v.21,24-25; Lk. 16:15; Jn 2:23-25)
C. UNLEARNING and LOSS are part of the PROCESS. (v.22,24,26; 1 Pet. 1:6-7)
D. Jesus will not FAIL in His CALLING of us. (v.27; Jn 17:20-23; Phil. 1:6)
E. Embrace the PARADOX of DISCIPLESHIP . (v.24-25, 28-31; Mk. 8:34-35)
Let’s watch Jesus interact here but seek to listen to what He might be saying to us. There are several things we need to hear. And as always, hearing what Jesus says calls us to respond.
6. Which of these “messages” of Jesus in this text matters most to you where you are right now?
7. When has loss led to a deeper and more solid faith for you?
8. How might the paradox of discipleship look in your own life today? What are the challenges that Jesus call to follow presents to you?