November 9, 2025
Earthly Riches over Eternal Riches #
Mark 10:17-27
Introduction
The greatest problem in America, is her wealth. God has blessed our nation, and we thank our veterans for their service, that have bought our freedom! God has blessed our nation, because they have were founded on Bible Principles! Because they were founded on Bible principles, they have backed Israel! God has blessed our country because of those two things!
I. Respect (Mark 10:17) #
A. Compulsion “running” #
• This man was an opportunist! He seized the opportunity • Often times, an opportunity comes, and passes me by…
B. Courtesy “kneeled to him” #
• This man was very respectful, unlike the Pharisees and others.
C. Calling Jesus “Good Master” #
• He brought a respectful tone… all of this, points to this man being respectful.
II. Request (Mark 10:17) #
• While he was very respectful, his request was not right. • “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” • He was not like the Pharisees trying to tempt, trap Jesus in his words… like the lawyer
Luke 10:25 —25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? • The only other time this question was asked was not sincere.
A. Concern #
• This man was looking to inherit eternal life…. Not be saved. • This man didn’t recognize he was lost, and bound for an eternal hell… he wanted to inherit eternal life • He simply wanted to add “eternal life” to his treasure bag. • He had attained wealth, he had attained prominence, …. …. they didn’t satisfy.
B. Conditions #
i. Not looking for a handout #
ii. Wanted to work for it! (Eph 2:8-9) #
Eph 2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
III. Requirement (Mark 10:18-22) #
A. Commandments (18-20) #
i. Salvation is not through works of the law #
Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
• This man missed the point of the law, and arrogantly stated, “all these have I observed”
ii. Jesus held the mirror of the law so he could see himself! #
James 1:22–25 —22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
B. Compassion - Jesus loved him (21) #
i. Jesus knew this man’s prominence #
ii. Jesus knew this man’s pride #
iii. Jesus loved him as he was! #
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
C. Contrite (21-22) #
i. One thing lacking #
• Jesus always answered not just correctly, but perfectly. 1. Sell all, 2. take the cross, 3. follow me (selling all does not save, not a requirement)
ii. Sad… refusal to let go, be saved #
• Some people refuse to let go of the things of this world,
iii. Service – Matt 6:24 – Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (riches) #
IV. Riches (Mark 10:23-27) #
A. Clincher (23-24a) #
• Jesus gives a great truth here, that shocks and awes the crowd.
i. The disciples were awed – they had been with Jesus #
ii. Difficulty for those who are wealthy to not trust in wealth! #
B. Children (24) (tie to the last portion – Mark 10:13-16) #
i. Salvation is not complex #
ii. Salvation is complete trust in God #
◦ Not in riches, not in works, not in religion, wholly placing your trust in Jesus. ◦ Illustrate two chairs
iii. Those who trust in wealth… will not step onto something not tangible. (God is not visible) #
C. Confusion (25-26) #
• There have been a few explanations. 1. The eye of the needle was a small entrance in the city…. Great illustration, but not true. No references exist of the ‘eye of the needle’ being called that in early historical writings. Some have referenced rope… perhaps, but the text is clear, it says camel. A literal camel. • Jesus was clearly illustrating the impossibility of something. This was not the only time a camel was used in this way, it was the largest common animal in their region.
Matthew 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
• “Who can be saved?” -
D. Condition of Spiritual element of Salvation (27) #
i. Salvation is pendent on conviction of the Holy Ghost #
• Those who simply want to add God to their life, without a change, have not completely put their trust and faith in Jesus. • There needs to be a Holy Ghost Conviction
John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
ii. The Holy Spirit works in conjunction with the preaching/witnessing of the Word! #
• The Holy Spirit does not just go around showing man their sin… that is done through the Word of God, witnessing… • The Holy Spirit takes that Word and applies it (pray for the lost & witness)!