The Rich Young Ruler
Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-30; Luke 18:18-30
Verse 16
1. And behold, one came to Him and said:
A. Luke 18:18 identifies him as a ruler
(archon)
B. Verse 20 says he was a young man.
C. Verse 22 says he was rich.
2. Teacher: didaskalos which is equivalent to rabbi.
At Luke 18:18, he says "good" teacher (agathos).
3. what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal
life?"
At Mark and Luke, he says, "what shall I do."
Before I go any further, we must recognize once again
the ever puzzling reality of the "synoptic problem."
Matthew says teacher; Mark and Luke say "good" teacher.
Matthew says what good thing; Mark and Luke say, what shall I do.
In Matthew, Jesus responds to "good thing" and in Mark and Luke,
He responds to "Good teacher."
Matthew uses the word "obtain" life; Mark and Luke use the word,
"inherit" life. And several others all throughout the synoptic
gospels.
The first and most apparent reason for these slight differences
is that Matthew was an "eyewitness" and both Mark and Luke wrote
from 2nd hand information. This reality does not detract from the principle
of inspiration, for inspiration always preserves the personality, education
and vocabulary differences of the writers while still preserving the "revelation"
factor of information given by God the Holy Spirit. But it does indicate
why one might emphasize a particular aspect that the other does not. It
is usually conceded that Mark got most of his information from Peter and
Luke "tapped into" all the disciples.
Furthermore, in recognizing these slight differences,
we should acknowledge the very real possibility that the incident actually
"went down" with all the recorded factors taking place.
Hendriksen summarizes the solution to the Synoptic Problem
as follows:
"The slight differences . . . do not change the substance
of the story. They indicate that each Gospel-writer had his own style.
A document can be fully inspired and inerrant without being pedantically
precise. The evangelists are not reeling off a recording. What each of
them is doing is reproducing the happening in his own characteristic manner.
For this we should be thankful. It makes the combined account that much
more interesting. Besides, it is surely not to be supposed that ALL the
words of Jesus spoken at each occasion were written down. . . And so also
in connection with the other slight differences: an evangelist has the
perfect right to substitute a synonym for the actual word that was spoken,
as long as this synonym conveys the same meaning."
(The Gospel of Matthew, page 724, by William
Hendriksen,
1973)
The first point of importance is to recognize that the
subject here is indeed, salvation as is indicated by the phrase, "obtain
everlasting life."
It has nothing to do with the earthly, Davidic
kingdom.
This person wants the blessings of the kingdom of God,
but he wants them on his own terms which is a works system.
The means of salvation has not been hidden from the people
of the Messiah generation. John the dipper made it perfectly clear in his
teachings, "telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after
him, that is, in Jesus," (Acts 19:4). And he testified of Jesus, "Behold
the Lamb of God who lifts up the sin of the world," (John 1:29).
Jesus Himself perpetuated and amplified the same "gospel"
message by proclaiming Himself as the Son of Man, ie, the promised Messiah.
Mark tells us, that Jesus "came proclaiming the gospel
of God, and saying, the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at
hand; change your mind and believe the gospel," (Mark 1:14-15).
The details of that gospel message can be found all throughout
the first chapters of John, where we find Him teaching the "multitudes,"
that "this is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has
sent," (John 6:29); and things like, "I am the bread of life;
he who comes to me shall never hunger and he who believes in me shall never
thirst," (John 6:35).
And, publicly in the temple on a feast day, "You
both know me and know where I am from; and I have not come of myself, but
He who sent Me is true, Whom you do not know. I know Him; because I am
from Him, and He sent Me," (John 7:28-29). And, "I said therefore
to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I
AM, you shall die in your sins," (John 8:24).
Now although the rich young ruler may or may not have
been present at these times, the very fact that he recognizes Jesus as
a teacher, indeed, a "good" teacher, indicates that he had heard
the teachings of Jesus.
Anyone hearing the teachings of Jesus would also here
the means for entrance into life. This man is not "searching"
for truth. He wants validation for his own system of salvation (the works
of the law, ie, keeping the commandments). He knows the answer to his question,
"what good thing," and is prepared - "since my youth, I
have kept all these things," (Mark 10:20). All he wants is validation
from this "new" rabbi; this "good" teacher. The man
has not accepted either the person of Jesus as the Messiah, or the message
of salvation proclaimed by Him. He has not been receptive to "the
words of everlasting life" (John 6:68), just impressed by the popularity
of Jesus and wants His approval.
Jesus of course, sees right through this guy and "cuts
to the chase" with a focus on the deity of the Messiah.
Verse 17,
And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about
what is good?
There is {only} One who is good; . . ."
Mark 10:18,
And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good?
No one is good except God alone."
Since we recognize the validity of each book's contribution
to the story, a harmony is in order.
"Good teacher, what good thing shall I do to inherit
everlasting life?"
And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good and why do you ask
me about what is good?
There is no one who is good except God alone."
The first issue is the divine nature of Jesus the Messiah
and the second issue is the quality of "good" required in order
to be acceptable to God.
When Jesus asks him, "why do you call me good,"
it is a challenge to the ruler concerning the Messianic person of Christ.
It was clearly taught throughout the Old Testament, that the Messiah would
be Yahweh Himself, come in the flesh. When Jesus says that only God is
good, he is requiring the man to make a decision about the deity of Christ.
If there is only one who is good and you call me good, what does that make
Me.
Now, we must keep this closely within the confines of
this conversation, for we know most certainly that man can indeed be good (agathos). For Jesus to state that only God is agathos is hyperbolic language,
used in order to make a point to this man and get him to think about what
he has just said and to whom he is talking. He will never be able to "enter
into life" unless he recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah and, just
as Jesus said to Nicodemus, "so that whoever believes, may in Him
have everlasting life," (John 3:15).
The second issue is the quality of good which is required
for life with God. We know that "all have sinned and are deficient
of the glory of God," (Rom. 3:23). We know that "all our righteous
deeds are as filthy rags in His sight," (Isaiah 64:60). Jesus said,
"unless your righteousness EXCEEDS the righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven," (Mat.
5:20).
So when Jesus asks, "Why are you asking Me about
what is good? There is only One who is good," He is bringing the issue
right down to God's policy for life rather than man's. God's policy has
always been faith in God Most High and the promise of a coming savior.
Just as "Abraham believed in God and it was calculated to him as righteousness,"
(Rom. 4:3).
For, "to the one who does not work (follow a salvation
by works policy), but believes in Him Who declares righteous the ungodly,
his faith is calculated as righteousness," (Rom. 4:5).
When the multitude asked Jesus, "what shall we do
that we may work the works of God," Jesus answered, "this is
the work of God, that you believe in Him Whom He has sent," (John
6:28-29).
But this young rich man has rejected the idea of "faith"
for salvation and believes that he is saved by the works of the law. And
in the delusion of his own self-righteousness, he clings strongly to the
material things of this life, for he has nothing else to give him pleasure
except that which he can see and feel. He is indeed, storing up for himself,
treasures on earth (Mat. 6:19). And in that delusion, he is seeking approval
and vindication from a respected teacher, although it is a teacher he has
not listened to in the same way that he has not listened to Moses. He claims
to have kept the commandments and to thus set his hope on the law. Yet
it is Moses himself who will accuse him, "for if you believed Moses,
you would believe Me, for he wrote of Me," (John 5:45-46).
The question has been asked, why does Jesus treat this
young man so harshly instead of just giving him the gospel? The reason
is because of the man's predisposition since he has ALREADY rejected Jesus
as the Messiah and the issue of faith as God's policy for salvation.
Indeed, listen to the rich man in hades, who pleads that
Lazarus go to his brothers and "warn them, lest they also come to
this place." The answer came, "They have Moses and the prophets,
let them hear them." And the rich man, knowing fully the attitude
of his brothers (being like-minded with them) said, "No, but if someone
goes to them from the dead they will alter their thinking." But again
the indictment, "If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead." (Luke
16:27-31).
Jesus needs to expose this man's policy as being self-serving
since he gives lip-service to the commandments but does not truly keep
the essence of the commandments which is "love the Lord your God with
all your heart, soul and energy . . . and your neighbor as yourself,"
(Mat. 22:27-40).
So Jesus says, "But if you want to enter into life,
keep the commandments."
This is the "set up." Jesus knows that he will
claim obedience to the commandments and thus "hang himself" in
the process.
Verse 18a,
He said to Him, "Which ones?"
The man is prepared for the answer, "keep the commandments"
and asks for clarification just to make sure that he and this "good
teacher" are on the same page.
Verse 18b-19, And Jesus said,
"YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER;
YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY;
YOU SHALL NOT STEAL;
YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS;
HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER;
and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
Notice that Jesus quotes just 5 of the 10 commandments
(Numbers 4-9); the ones that emphasize man's interaction with man according
to the terms of God's morality standards. But He also lists the ONE commandment
that pulls them all together, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
In fact, the 10th commandment, "you shall not covet,"
is a perfect expression of the commandment, "you shall love your neighbor."
Verse 20,
The young man said to Him,
"All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?"
With this, the man puts his neck in the noose. He claims
total obedience not only to the "overt" moral standards, but
to the second great commandment of love. But, it will be demonstrated that,
not only does this man NOT love his neighbor as himself, but he also does
not love God.
Verse 21,
Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete,
go and sell your possessions and give to the poor,
and you shall have treasure in heaven;
and come, follow Me."
The word, complete, does not refer to spiritual completion
or anything to do with salvation. The word answers his question, "what
am I still lacking?"
Jesus is carrying this man's premise to its logical conclusion.
He should be loving his neighbor AS HIMSELF. He should have no problems
about selling and giving to the poor because the Lord has asked him to
be a disciple (come and follow me), just like he did with the 12 and with
the 70. As a personal disciple of Jesus, the man will have no need for
his material possessions. But the whole problem here is that he has not
recognized Jesus as the Messiah-savior and will therefore, not follow Him.
He is comfortable with his own religious system because it allows him to
be physically "comfortable" through his wealth, and still get
the applause and laudation from men as he displays his "commandment
keeping."
Jesus does not cater to his desire to have his religious
system vindicated but instead, exposes it and tears it down.
The real issue here is the last request, "come, follow
me." The man's wealth is simply the "stumbling block" that
prevents him from truly trusting in Jesus as the Messiah.
He needs to replace (change the mind) his present value system with the
divine value system. He needs to stop building treasures on earth and build
treasures in heaven. This begins with faith in the Messiah, but he has
already rejected that option and Jesus knows it.
This guy is a mini Saul of Tarsus. He thinks he is spiritually
alive because, "as to the righteousness of the law," he is blameless
(Philip. 3:6b). But when Saul came to understand the 10th commandment,
"you shall not covet," it is then he knew he was truly a sinner
and guilty of the whole law (Rom. 7:7-13). This commandment exposes the
arrogance and power of "rich-mindedness" (the attitude that puts
confidence in material things, seeking both spiritual security and earthly
happiness, and of course, finding neither).
This commandment addresses the "mind" rather
than the actions of the life. The actions of the life can appear "righteous"
(Mat. 23:28) but inwardly be full of "hypocrisy and lawlessness."
This is what Jesus is addressing. He is not playing games
and not misdirecting the man. Indeed, (Mark 10:21) "And looking at
him, Jesus felt a LOVE for him. . ."
Jesus never ceases to love, even those who reject Him,
but He also knows best exactly what kind of information someone needs.
However, just because someone gets the right information, does not mean
they will accept it.
This man has already heard the issues of faith in Messiah.
Now he must face what is preventing him from accepting the Messiah in total
faith-dependence (ie, follow Me). Once someone has rejected truth, it begins
the process of hardness of heart. The teacher of truth must simply continue
to teach and present divine viewpoint to provide conviction.
The information received will either produce a change
of mind or intensify the hardening of heart. This is what happened to Pharaoh.
Pharaoh hardened his heart against God first, and then God continued to
proclaim truth to him and demonstrate his power through miracles (the plagues),
but instead of changing his mind, he persisted in hardness of heart. That
is what it means when it says, that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. He did
it by continually providing more and more information and evidence.
The technique Jesus is using is designed to "shock"
the soul into seeing the fallacy and weakness of one's religious system
and enable him to discard the stumbling block to faith.
Whatever causes the unbeliever to stumble (ie, influences
him not to trust in Jesus) must be discarded so that PERHAPS he might then
believe.
The removal of the obstacle does not in itself, guarantee
acceptance of the gospel. But if one does not discard it, then both it
and his soul will end up in the lake of fire (Mat. 18:8-9).
Verse 22,
"But when the young man heard this statement, he
went away grieved;
for he was one who owned much property."
And in the case before us, it is his wealth that is the
stumbling block to his own soul. As long as he puts his trust in his wealth,
he will be blinded by his sinfulness toward God's standards and he will
continue to come short of saving faith.
It is in this regard that it is so very hard for a rich
man to get into heaven. For if the rich man is "rich-minded"
then he places greater value and confidence in his material possessions
than in true spiritual value. Thus, the illustration about the camel and
the eye of the needle. It is impossible for a camel to go through the eye
of a "sewing" needle and it is impossible for a rich-minded man
to get into heaven.
Verses 23-24,
And Jesus said to His disciples,
"Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom
of heaven.
"And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel
to go through the eye of a needle,
than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
In actuality, this discourse directed to His disciples
is prefaced by the last statement that Jesus gives to the rich-minded young ruler.
Luke 18:24,
And Jesus looked at him and said,
"How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of
God!"
He tells the man exactly what it is that is standing in
the way.
And when the disciples here this, they are truly puzzled,
thinking that the "impossibility" for a rich-minded man to enter
heaven applies equally to all men.
And again, the foremost issue here is
ENTRANCE into the kingdom of God through trust in Christ as Savior. The
disciples clearly understand that this is the issue. They ponder the
statement and finally ask Him.
Luke 18:26,
And they who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?"
The issue of "saved" in a spiritual sense has
always been salvation from the penalty of sin.
Mat.1:21, "for He will save His people from their sins."
John 12:47, "For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world .
. . and I know that His commandment is everlasting life."
"This One is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:42.
COMMENTS ABOUT THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE
1. Mat. 19:24, "It is easier for a camel to go through
the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25
2. This is a figure of speech used by Jesus to illustrate
the impossibility of adjusting to God WHILE clinging to darkness, materialistic
values.
3. Jesus uses a similar figure of speech in Mat. 23:24
to illustrate the extreme in spiritual blindness.
A. Blind guides: Mat. 15:14, both fall into the ditch
B. Strain out a gnat: the religious custom of straining wine to avoid eating
any uncleanness (such as a bug).
C. The gnat represents the smallest animal in the land
which they try so hard to avoid through their religious legalism.
D. The camel represents the largest animal in the land
and is symbolic of the greater spiritual error.
E. This is explained by v. 25-28, and specifically, v.
28, "on the inside they are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."
4. There is suggestion that this was a common proverbial
expression but there is no record in other literature.
A. Examples of a similar proverb occur in the rabbinical
writings of the Talmud. Ber 55b; BM 38b, "elephant through the eye
of a needle."
B. This was used to illustrate something that is an impossibility.
C. It is best to take the figure as it stands rather than
thinking that Jesus quoted a cultural proverb.
5. The problem with the figure is that for a long time
scholars thought that needles did not exist at the time.
A. But they did exist as demonstrated by the finds of
archaeologists.
B. As well as the fact that 2 words are used by the gospel
writers.
This indicates the existence of two types of needle.
6. The 2 words used:
A. Matthew and and Mark use "raphis" which refers
to a regular sewing needle.
B. Luke uses "belonā" which is a surgical needle.
C. Some have claimed that "raphis" refers to
a small gate in a walled city but there is no evidence of the existence
of such a thing.
D. The fact that 2 words are used also indicates that
no corresponding proverb existed in Greek culture.
E. So once again, the figure should be taken as it stands,
and not as a proverb.
7. Another problem with the figure is the genuine impossibility
of a camel going through the eye of a "sewing" needle.
In fact it is considered absurd.
A. The disciples express this problem and also try to
indicate to us that the idea of impossibility is what they heard form Jesus.
Mat. 19:25
B. But that is the very issue. v. 26, "It is impossible
for man."
1. Jesus used the word "adunatos" to indicate
exactly what He meant.
2. Man is helpless: Rom. 5:6
C. But with God all things are possible. God does the
work and offers it freely to all men. Man cannot earn it and does not deserve
it, BUT, man MUST accept it by faith or it remains an unclaimed gift unavailing
to those who accept it.
8. To deal with the absurdity of the figure, scholars
have played with the word for camel.
A. The word for camel is, "kamālos".
B. There are several later manuscripts which have the word, "kamilos."
C. Some scholars claim that "kamilos" is the original and means
"rope."
D. This reduces the absurdity and impossibility to a difficulty but still
"possible" act.
E. The problem is that no such word exists in NT Greek. Kamilos may indeed
be a later addition to the language, and truly ancient "to us,"
but nonexistent before 150 AD.
F. The rise of kamilos for kamālos can be explained
by the evolution of the pronunciation of the language.
G. As early as AD 150, the "eta" was being pronounced
like an "iota."
So it is not a surprise to see the form kamilos in place of kamālos.
(Robertson, page 191).
H. Also, there is no need to try to compromise the severity
of the figure since Jesus used such severity elsewhere as in Mat. 23:24.
Matthew 19:25,
And when the disciples heard {this,} they were very astonished
and said,
"Then who can be saved?"
The disciples recognize the significance of what Jesus
is saying and carry it to its ultimate application as they ask, "Who
then IS ABLE to be saved?" But that is the very issue as mentioned
above.
Verse 26,
"It is impossible for man."
A. Jesus used the word "adunatos" to indicate
exactly what He meant.
B. Man is helpless: Rom. 5:6
C. But with God all things are possible.
1. John 1:13, The new birth comes through God's actions
in response to trust in Christ (John 1:12). It does not result from man's
self-determination, natural abilities, philosophy, religion or genetic status.
2. God is able to save completely. Heb. 7:25,
a. eis to pantelās: adjective = complete, perfect,
absolute.
b. pas + telos, qualitative and temporal = absolutely.
c. The prepositional phrase is adverbial in function so
the idea is "absolutely."
3. Those who come to God through Him: proserchomai (present
middle participle) used to indicate the initial EXPRESSION of faith in
Christ.
4. In other words, God's "ability" to save is
dependent on man "accepting" by faith the offered gift of salvation.
Man's choice does not lessen God's ABILITY. Man's choice triggers God's
ability, and the result is eternal, irreversible everlasting life for
the person who trusts in Christ.
Verses 27-30
Peter, as usual, the spokesman for the group of disciples,
wants to know what will be their reward for following Christ.
Verse 27,
Then Peter answered and said to Him,
"Behold, we have left everything and followed You;
what then will there be for us?"
The real issue is NOT "left everything," but
"followed" Christ. The primary issue is first and foremost
acceptance of Christ as Savior; trust in Him for salvation from sins.
The idea of "leaving everything" is relative.
Jesus did not command everyone to leave everything and come and "literally"
follow Him.
He only had 12 disciples with Him, although upon occasions, He sent out
a much larger number (Luke 10:1). But there were also times when he told
the convert to go home and minister within his own community (Mat. 9:6;
Mark 5:19; 8:26).
Leaving material possessions is not the issue unless material possessions
are the cause of rich-mindedness in the person. Paul puts this in perfect
perspective at 1 Tim. 6:5-19, especially at verse 17.
"Instruct those who are rich in this present age,
not to be conceited or to put their confidence in the uncertainty of riches,
but on God, Who abundantly supplies us with all things for enjoyment."
To Peter's question, Jesus gives two answers. First the
specific reward for the 12 disciples (minus Judas and + Paul) which is
recorded only by Matthew.
Verse 28,
And Jesus said to them,
"Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me,
in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne,
you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
1. The issue here of "followed me" refers to
their specific function in time with emphasis on their initial faith
acceptance of Him as Savior. Christ then chose and appointed them to be His
unique followers. The reward the Jesus describes is
based on Christ's appointment rather than on their faithfulness. It excludes
Judas, not because he did not "hang in there" but because he
was never a believer in the first place (John 6:70-71). The other disciples
failed as well (with the possible exception of John), as is so graphically
demonstrated by Peter's three denials, but since their salvation was secured
by a genuine "initial" trust in Christ as Messiah-savior, that
salvation was not affected by personal sins that occurred later in life.
And since the "reward" of reigning on 12 thrones over Israel
is based on divine appointment, in this case, and not "faithfulness,"
it too is secure.
2. In the regeneration: the word is, paliggenesia (only
occurs here and at Titus 2:13).
There is disagreement as to the placement of this word in relation to the
verb, followed. That is, whether it should be "followed Me in the
regeneration" or "followed Me, in the regeneration when." Jesus did not
undergo a "regeneration" so that is not something that a person can FOLLOW.
Thus, it means NEW LIFE and refers to the "physical" quality of life that
follows this natural one. That is, in the resurrection life.
The 12 apostles and all believers will be removed from this earth at the
rapture when Christ returns in the clouds of the sky with power and great
glory. Mat. 24:31. Sometime after that, the 12 will function in the capacity
of declaring a judgment on the unbelievers of the nation of Israel.
3. When Jesus sits on the throne of His
glory: This is also mentioned at Mat. 25:31.
The statement, "when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of His glory" is
only ONE PART of the second coming events.
The coming of Christ is a presence (parousia) during which many things will
occur.
One of the main things that is associated with His parousia is judgment on
the unbelievers.
At Mat. 16:27, Jesus taught that "the Son of Man is going to come in the
glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every person
according to his deeds."
This of course is a judgment issue that involves different stages.
He then directly associates this coming "to judge" with "coming in His
kingdom" at Mat. 16:28.
This term indicates that when Jesus comes, it will be to take OFFICIAL
authority over the world.
This is seen at the 7th trumpet of Rev. 11:15-18. At this time the official
reign of the beast will be ended and the official reign of Jesus will begin.
But this does not happen immediately upon His arrival in the clouds, but is
simply PART of the many events that will occur DURING His presence (parousia)
until ALL His enemies are destroyed.
There are several different judgments that
will occur through the second coming of Christ.
1. At His arrival, He will bring the day of the Lord judgments.
This is not an IMMEDIATE judgment upon the unbelievers, as in "zap, you're
dead."
It is a prolonged judgment through the trumpets and bowls that will bring
suffering and death upon the beast worshippers. For any unbelievers who have
not taken the mark of the beast, these judgments will serve as a conviction
and a plea from God to trust in Christ.
2. There will also be a judgment or rather an evaluation on the believers
who are raptured at Christ's arrival. This is called the bema (reward seat)
of God (Rom. 14:10), and of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).
This is an evaluation of the believer's works to determine the quality of
rewards that will be given to each individual.
The exact TIME of this judgment cannot be precisely determined.
It could be immediately after Christ's arrival. It could be later after the
battle of Armageddon.
3. There is the judgment on the gentiles after Armageddon to separate the
believers from the unbelievers, with the believers going into a spiritual
eternal kingdom. Mat. 25:31f.
The OT teaches about the earthly kingdom being populated by Jews and
Gentiles after God's judgment on all the unbelievers. But this teaching by
Jesus looks BEYOND the earthly kingdom and sees the righteous going directly
into "the kingdom that has been prepared for you FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE
WORLD."
This is NOT the earthly, Davidic kingdom, but the everlasting heavenly
kingdom. The very HEAVENLY kingdom that Abraham and other OT believers were
looking for. Heb. 11:16.
4. The Old Testament tells about the judgment on the Jews after Armageddon
to remove the unbelievers from the believers with the believers going into
the earthly kingdom. Ezek. 20:33-38 and 34:17-22.
5. There is the last judgent after the mil kindgom. Rev. 20.
This is what is in view here at this time of "the new life" of resurrection.
There is no basis for making this time of RESURRECTION refer to the earthly,
Davidic kingdom.
The time of resurrection is the resurrection of ALL.
Jesus is talking about a time BEYOND the mil kingdom.
The context is entrance into the kingdom of God; the forgiveness of sins;
and the possession of everlasting life.
The final evaluation and determination of the unbelievers will occur at the
last judgment.
The time:
1. In the regeneration: As described above, this looks to the time of
resurrection rather than a time of an earthly kingdom.
Regeneration: paliggensia, only here and Titus 3:5 where it is used for the
new birth, as in new life. At Titus it is new spiritual life that is
acquired at the moment of faith in Christ.
Here it refers to the new life of resurrection as is described at 1Cor.
15:42ff.
2. when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of His glory. This refers to
the last judgment.
Rev. 20:11, "and I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it."
The statement, "when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of His glory" is
only ONE PART of the second coming events.
3. Judging the 12 tribes:
The word, judging, is krino (present active participle) and simply means to
administrate evaluation type activity over them.
This could easily refer to the nation of Israel as an "unbelieving"
collective whole which is judged and condemned just as Jesus did.
Their rejection of Jesus is publicly exposed and judged just like what is
described at Mat. 12:41-42.
"At the judgment" by way of comparison, the believing Queen of the South and
the believers of Ninevah will stand up and condemn the unbelieving
Israelites of "this generation."
They and the 12 apostles are called upon to stand as witness against the
unbelievers, and as a witness they will pronounce a judgment (judge) against
the unbelievers.
We know that all the church, in fact the bride as a whole, will sit on
thrones, reigning with Christ on the earth, during His earthly kingdom (Rev.
5:10; 1 Cor. 6:2), but here, Jesus refers to a specific function just for
the 12 apostles of the Lamb which involves a unique interaction with the
nation of Israel. And it does not need to have anything to do with the
earthly kingdom.
----
COMMENTARIES on the nature of "THE paligenesia.
Mat. 19:28
Barnes
It refers to that great revolution - that restoration of order in the
universe - that universal new birth which will occur when the dead shall
rise, and all human things shall be changed, and a new order of things shall
start up out of the ruins of the old, when the Son of man shall come to
judgment. The passage, then, should be read, "Ye which have followed me
shall, as a reward in the great day of the resurrection of the dead, and of
forming the new and eternal order of things - the day of judgment, the
regeneration - be signally honored and blessed.
When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory - That is, to judge
the world. "Throne of glory" means glorious throne or a splendid throne. It
is not to be taken literally, but is used to denote his character as a king
and judge, and to signify the great dignity and majesty which will be
displayed by him. See Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64; Acts 1:11; Acts 17:31.
Sit upon twelve thrones - This is figurative. To sit on a throne denotes
power and honor, and means here that they would be distinguished above
others, and be more highly honored and rewarded.
Judging the twelve tribes of Israel - Jesus will be the Judge of quick and
dead. He only is qualified for it, and the Father hath given all judgment to
the Son, John 5:22. To be a judge denotes rank, authority, power. The
ancient judges of Israel were people of distinguished courage, patriotism,
honor, and valor. Hence, the word comes to denote not so much an actual
exercise of the power of passing judgment, as the honor attached to the
office; and as earthly kings have those around them dignified with honors
and office - counselors and judges, so Christ says that his apostles will
occupy the same relative station in the great day. They will be honored by
him, and by all, as apostles, as having, in the face of persecution, left
all; as having laid the foundations of his church, and endured all the
persecutions of the world.
The twelve tribes of Israel - This was the number of the ancient tribes. By
this name the people of God were denoted. By this name Jesus here denotes
his redeemed people. See also James 1:1, where Christians are called the
twelve tribes. Here it means also, not the Jews, not the world, not the
wicked, not that the apostles are to pronounce sentence on the enemies of
God, but the people of God, the redeemed. Among them Jesus says his apostles
will be honored in the day of judgment, as earthly kings place in posts of
office and honor those who have signally served them. Compare the notes at 1
Corinthians 6:2.
---
Poole
"the thing here promised to the apostles, is not a preference in the church,
but a further degree of honour and glory in the day of judgment."
Meyer's
"When the resurrection is over, and the last judgment is going on (and it is
to this part of the scene that the Lord is here referring), this renovation
will have already begun, and will be in the course of development."
Bengel
"There will be a new creation, over which the second Adam will preside, when
the whole microcosm of human nature, by means of the resurrection, and also
the macrocosm of the universe, will be born again (genesin iteratam habebit)."
----------------------------
The second answer is "general" and refers to
all who have trusted in Christ as savior.
Verse 29,
"And everyone who has left houses (Luke 18:29 adds,
"or wife.")
or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My
name's sake,
shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life."
There are two things to observe about this statement.
First, we have in view "temporal" rewards and
then, second, an eternal reward.
The participation in the "temporal" reward refers
to "substitute" value. That is, the experience of something that
is greater and more valuable than the material things of this life.
Luke records it like this: Luke 18:30a,
who shall not receive many times as much AT THIS TIME
. . ."
Paul said as much at 1 Tim. 6:6,
"but genuine worship (godliness) is a means of great
gain,
WHEN accompanied with contentment."
Contentment is the attitude that recognizes God as the
source and the controller of all our material things. "The Lord gives
and the Lord takes away, praised be the name of the Lord," (Job 1:21b).
"The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts,"
(1 Sam. 2:7).
It is the attitude that is content with what God has provided,
knowing that His wisdom and timing is the best there is. Knowing, that
"He works all things together for benefit to those who love Him,"
(Rom. 8:28).
And knowing that we are not left here on earth to "make
full use" of the things of the world (1 Cor. 7:31), but instead to
"promote undistracted devotion to the Lord," (1 Cor. 7:35) and
"to proclaim the virtues of Him who called us out of darkness into
His awesome light," (1 Peter 2:9).
Paul summarized it at Philip. 3:8,
"More than that, I conclude all things to be expendable
(loss)
because of the SURPASSING VALUE of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,.
. ."
The Christian way of life; knowing and using God's fantastic
truths, is the most valuable and rewarding activity in the universe. Through
such "grace orientation" there is true exaltation and promotion
in this earthly life; promotion based on what God thinks is most important.
James writes, "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and
He will exalt you," (James 4:10).
Peter summarizes this "promotion" and quality
of life by saying, "For you were called for this very purpose, so
that you might inherit blessing. For, let him who wants to love LIFE and
see GOOD DAYS - - -
REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING
GUILE.
"AND LET HIM TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD;
LET HIM SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.
"FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS,
AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER,
BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL."
And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for
what is good? (1 Peter 3:9-13).
This is talking about reward IN THIS LIFE, here on earth,
that results from "following the Lord."
Mark records the same idea, but shows us the hyperbole
that Jesus used in telling us about these "temporal" rewards.
Mark 10:30,
"but that he shall receive a hundred times as much
now in the present age,
houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms,
along with persecutions. . ."
Even with the hyperbole, it is clear that the believer
will be able to participate in the "normal" things of life -
marriage, family, business - thus clarifying that the "sacrifice"
of these things in the first place is a "mental attitude" recognition
of greater value, rather than a removal of these things from one's life.
He also points out, that along with the "blessings"
of this life, there will be periods of persecution which will hinder "full"
participation in these "normal" things of life. The believer
must have the attitude of contentment as earlier discussed, and "grow
up" spiritually to the point of learning with Paul,
"how to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
I know how to experience deficiency, and I also know how to prosper.
In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled
and going hungry,
both of having abundance and being deficient," (Philip. 4:11-12).
But it is important to observe the "motivations"
for such sacrifice in life.
Mark 10:29, ". . . for My sake and for the gospel's
sake."
Luke 18:29, ". . . for the sake of the kingdom of
God."
There is a spiritual conflict going on between God and
the fallen angels; the forces of light and the forces of darkness. And
the believer is right in the middle of this conflict. Paul tells us, "in
order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made know THROUGH the
church to the rulers and the authorities IN THE HEAVENLIES (Ie, Angels),"
(Eph. 3:10). Because of this conflict, the believer remains here on earth
as the personal representative of Christ, and as such, becomes the object
of Satan's attacks. In fact, it has been that way since the beginning,
when God created the human race and set it up as His "spiritual"
weapon to demonstrate to the fallen angels the true sinfulness of their
rebellion and the righteousness of God in sentencing them to the lake of
fire.
This is the whole purpose for the existence of the human
race; the fall of man; the provision of the Savior and the ultimate victory
of that Savior in defeating the forces of Satan both spiritually and physically.
For this reason, God showcases those of His people who
are righteous and who walk consistently in their integrity. It is such
ones as these who prove to Satan that God's way is truly the best way to
go. This is the key to understanding why physical suffering comes upon
God's people, for "the testing of your faith produces patience"
(James 1:2) and cultivates spiritual growth, maturity and effectiveness
as personal ambassadors for Christ.
True orientation to divine viewpoint is recognizing that
there is greater things in this life than material possessions. Promotion
of the person and work of Christ (the gospel) is the most important endeavor
for the one who claims to be following the Lord.
However, following the Lord is premised upon the initial
faith decision to trust in Him as Lord and savior. That is, the only one
who can "truly" follow the Lord and promote the spiritual value
of the gospel is one who has trusted in Christ as savior.
And the "reward" for that faith decision to
trust in Him is everlasting life.
ETERNAL REWARD
Luke 18:30b,
"and in the age to come, everlasting life."
This is referring to the same TIME of verse
28 - the time of the resurrection.
The focus is NOT on the earthly, Davidic kingdom, but on the eternal life
with God in heaven.
Everlasting life is NOT the result of "following"
the Lord, it is the result of believing in Him. But one cannot, indeed,
WILL NOT follow the Lord unless they have first truly trusted in Him. It
is that expression of trust and dependence that Jesus is directing the
young ruler to focus on.
Since we know that all the church, in fact
the bride as a whole, will sit on thrones, reigning with Christ on the
earth, during His earthly kingdom (Rev. 5:10; 1 Cor. 6:2), it seems
reasonable that THIS is the time that Jesus would mention that. But no. The
focus is on the eternal phase of salvation - life in the eternal kingdom,
not in the earthly kingdom.
Verse 30,
"But many {who are} first will be last; and {the}
last, first.
This is simply a statement that recognizes and proclaims
the reality of equality in status among those those who have "entered
into life" through faith in Christ. This is illustrated in the parable at
Mat. 20:1-16.
The bride is comprised of ALL
who have trusted in Christ as savior, and regardless of "individual"
production (1 Cor. 3;15), she will stand before the Lamb clothed collectively,
"in fine linen bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous
acts of the saints," (Rev. 19:8).
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