HOME Dear Editor How to become a Christian Simple Answers to Difficult Questions Notes from the Editor-Publisher Free Download Archive

HE REJECTED THE LORD'S OFFER (MATTHEW 11:28-30) | Archive 2023

Raymond Sieg/09/24/2023


​Introduction:

         1. In these verses Jesus offered to give "rest" ["rest unto your souls"] to everyone who needs it -- those
             who "labor and are heavy laden."
         2. The Lord will provide rest to those who meet His requirements, including:
             a. coming to Him
             b. taking His yoke [submitting to His will]
             c. learning of [from] Him.
         3. In the Gospels we read about many people who approached the Lord and received the rest that He
             provides.
         4. We also read about a number of people who rejected the Lord's offer -- we need to avoid their mistakes.
         5. In our lesson we are examining a man known as "the rich young ruler" -- "he rejected the Lord's offer."

Discussion:

I.           LET  US  READ  ABOUT  THE  LORD'S  ENCOUNTER  WITH  THIS  MAN

         A. Matthew 19:16-22
         B. Mark 10:17-22
         C. Luke 18:18-23

II.          THIS  MAN  HAD  MANY  QUALITIES

         A. He was young, he was wealthy, he had a position of authority, and in his mind he had practiced the Law
             of Moses throughout his life.
         B. He approached Jesus -- he ran to the Lord.
         C. He kneeled before Jesus and recognized the Lord as "Good Master."

III.         UNFORTUNATELY,  THIS  MAN  REJECTED  THE  LORD'S  OFFER

         A. Jesus loved the young man and identified that which was lacking in his life.
         B. Jesus told him what to do to have true "rest."
         C. The young man left with a heart filled with sorrow.

Conclusion:

         1. The Lord is the giver of rest, but He gives it to those who meet His requirements.
         2. The rich young ruler came to Jesus, but he did not take the Lord's yoke upon him.
         3. Let us avoid the young man's mistake.
         4. Let us remember the Lord's words in:
             a. Matthew 16:24-27
             b. Matthew 18:8-9
             c. Matthew 19:29.