The Cost of Following Jesus
Sermon Summary:
This sermon explores the challenging encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler from Luke 18:18-30, emphasizing the central theme that runs throughout Luke's Gospel—that worldly status means nothing to God, and true discipleship requires letting go rather than accumulating. The pastor wrestles honestly with this difficult passage, acknowledging how Jesus's command to "sell everything and give to the poor" confronts our modern consumer culture. The message clarifies that eternal life isn't something we earn through our accomplishments but something we receive by surrendering control. The sermon challenges listeners to examine what has a grip on their hearts—whether wealth, status, pride, or comfort—and calls them to the uncomfortable but liberating act of letting go so God can fill them with something greater. Drawing on early church father St. John Chrysostom's teachings on coveting, the message reframes the tenth commandment not merely as "not wanting" but as actively loving our neighbors by sharing what we have. The pastor emphasizes that while this teaching is hard, "what is impossible with man is possible with God," and that giving always feels like losing at first, but leads to the abundant life Jesus promises.
Key Points:
- The theme throughout Luke's Gospel is that those the world exalts, Jesus humbles, and those the world considers lowly, Jesus lifts up
- The rich young ruler had everything the world says matters—wealth, power, influence, youth—yet still felt something was missing
- Jesus's command to sell everything reveals that discipleship isn't about what we do or earn, but about what we let go of and surrender
- Coveting means more than just wanting something; it means not loving your neighbor, taking more than your share, and holding onto what could bless someone else
- The rich young ruler's wealth gave him not just money but status, power, and identity—Jesus was asking him to let go of who he was
- If you made $34,000 or more this year, you're in the top 1% of wage earners worldwide—we don't have a lack problem, we have a love and trust problem
- Eternal life begins now, not just in the afterlife—it's the love, joy, peace, and wholeness available in God's kingdom today
- Giving always feels like losing at first, but it's in letting go that we truly receive
- We cannot hold onto Jesus if our hands are already full of other things
- The season of Lent is about realignment, repentance, and preparing our hearts by letting go of what gets in the way
Scripture Reference:
- Luke 18:18-30 (primary passage—the rich young ruler)
- Luke 18:9-17 (context—parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, and Jesus blessing the children)
- Matthew, Mark, and Luke's parallel accounts of the rich young ruler
- Deuteronomy 5:21 (the tenth commandment about coveting)
- The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20/Deuteronomy 5)
- James's teaching about faith and works (helping those in need)
- Isaiah 58 (referenced through the church's Isaiah 58 fund for helping those in need)
Stories:
- The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple (Luke 18:9-14)
- Jesus welcoming the little children and saying we must become like children to enter the kingdom (Luke 18:15-17)
- The encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life
- The Exodus story—Moses leading Israel out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, to Mount Sinai where God gave the Ten Commandments
- St. John Chrysostom ("John Goldmouth"), the early church father from the 300s who preached against coveting and excess, and was exiled and died because he challenged the emperor and empress about giving to the poor
- The ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria who are being killed for doing good works and proclaiming Jesus's name
- Personal challenge to the congregation: examples of cleaning out closets, tipping generously at restaurants, supporting the Isaiah 58 fund, and serving at local nonprofits like JAMA (Jonesboro Area Ministerial Administration food bank)