Ready?

Luke 18:¹⁸ (NIV, with emphasis) “A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

The scriptures describe this man as young, rich, healthy, and in my opinion, full of vitality and he was a ruler. It is possible to be rich and be sick, or be rich and not have authority. But he was young, he was rich and he was a ruler. He was recognized in the community. He was probably benevolent and it appears that he was going to church with his family every Sunday. And would occasionally attend mid-week services. And he comes to Jesus asking for a checklist! Give me a checklist; I am up for the challenge. What must I do, just give it to me and I will tackle it to inherit eternal life.

Interestingly, Jesus says to him “But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery…” The man says that is commandment seven, done! And Jesus says, “…You must not murder…” He says that is commandment number six, done! Jesus says, “…You must not steal…” he says, steal? That is commandment number eight, done! “…You must not testify falsely…” commandment number nine, done! “…Honour your father and mother.’” That is commandment number five, done! “The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” [Luke 18:^20-21, paraphrased] 

Notice what is going on in this scenario, Jesus was setting him up to show the depravity of his heart. There are Ten Commandments, right? The first four are about God; Jesus did not mention any of them. The next six are about men; Jesus mentioned commandments five to nine and stopped. The man said, “been there, done that since I was a child”. The picture that came to mind while I was reading this is of a patient and a nurse. Before the injection, the nurse rubs the spot with some methylated spirit. And its soothing effect makes you think perhaps just for a moment what is coming is not that bad. Not until you get jabbed, at least.

Jesus intentionally left out commandment number ten because commandment number ten is like going straight for the jugular. The Tenth commandment is so important to us. Sometimes, God puts the most important things at the end.

Prayer [song]: You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever needed. You’re all I want. Help me know You are near… Amen!