Message 3: Free to be a Child Again
Turn to Luke 18:10
Jesus frequently encounters two types of people during his ministry years:
PHARISEES – those who believe that self-efforts at righteousness will result in God’s approval.
CHILDREN – those who simply trust in the grace of God for approval.
Here’s the truth: We can sometimes be PHARISEES and sometimes we can be CHILDREN.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON BEHAVIORS OR ATTITUDES OF PHARISEES?
In Luke 18:11-27 we are going to encounter three different stories that illustrate the difference between PHARISEES and CHILDREN.
Look at verses 10-14
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”” Luke 18:9-14
Jesus is not afraid to confront those who need it. Notice the words in verses 10: “confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else…” These two things are NOT FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT!
Jesus illustrates two different ways of praying:
Vs. 11-12 is the PHARISEE
Vs 13 is the CHILD
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE PHARISEE’S WAY OF PRAYING?
HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THE PRAYER OF THE CHILD?
Now look at verse 14 for Jesus’ thoughts:
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””
If I exalt myself, I can count on being humbled. But, if I come before God with humility, He will lift me up!
“He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18, NIV.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6
WHAT IS IT ABOUT SPIRITUAL ARROGANCE THAT MAKES GOD NUTS?
Now, let’s go to the next story in verses 15-17
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”” Luke 18:15-17
Parents are bringing their babies and children before Jesus. They were seeking the blessing of being touched by Jesus for their precious children. And the Disciples of Jesus ‘rebuke’ the parents for this, and inadvertently block the blessing!
Now Jesus says: “Knock it off! This is why I’m here – to bring the Presence of the Kingdom of God to people just like this! And if you want my blessing, you need to become like these little ones!”
WHY DID THE DISCIPLES REBUKE THE PARENTS?
WHY DID JESUS REBUKE THE DISCIPLES?
WHY DOES JESUS REQUIRE CHILDLIKENESS?
WHAT IS IT ABOUT KIDS THAT MAKES THEM MORE RECEPTIVE?
Now look at the third story – verses 18-25
You probably know this as the “Rich Young Ruler”
“A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No-one is good-- except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.’” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, 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.”” Luke 18:18-25
In verse 18 we are introduced to this man. He is described as a ‘ruler’ – which could mean royalty – like a prince, or military – like a captain, or a magistrate – like a judge. Regardless of the specific meaning, this man had authority over some group of people.
He is apparently hungry – at some level – to have what he sees in Jesus. And he poses the question: “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
And Jesus looks right into the depths of his heart and won’t let him get away with any PHARISEE nonsense. Look what Jesus says in verse 19: “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No-one is good-- except God alone.”
WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC HEART ISSUE THAT JESUS IS ADDRESSING HERE?
He is saying: “Self-efforts will never suffice! There is no one who can be described as being ‘good’ except God Himself!” And that is why Jesus asks the next question – to continue to expose the false belief system that this man is seeking to build his life upon.
“You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.’” V. 20
One of the key purposes that God gave the LAW OF MOSES, the TEN COMMANDMENTS was to help the people of God see the absolute IMPOSSIBILITY of self-efforts to be perfect in order to discover the amazing grace of God!
But look at how the ruler responds in verse 21:
“All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.” V. 21
HOW WOULD A HUMBLE PERSON RESPOND TO CHRIST’S QUESTION?
HOW DOES THIS RESPONSE EXPOSE THE HEART OF THIS MAN?
How about this? “ALL THESE I HAVE BROKEN SINCE I WAS A BOY.”
That Pharisee deludes himself into believing in his own perfection and goodness. The child recognizes his lack and his need for help.
So Jesus continues his heart surgery:
“You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.” V. 22-23
In this ruler’s particular case, he loved his wealth far more than he loved God. So, God, who is not willing to sit in the second chair, tells him to get rid of his idols and come follow Him.
Obviously this man wasn’t willing to give up his wealth – his security, in order to follow Jesus. And Jesus, ever confident and secure in his own identity, allows him to walk away.
Now look at verse 24-25.
“Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, 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.”
The word Jesus uses for ‘rich’ is the Greek word CHREMA and it means: ‘thing, matter, affair, event or business’ And what Jesus is saying is that there are many things that can block your relationship with God.
There are many ‘things’ in our lives that we’d be so much better off without. And if you can ever get free of them, your spiritual life will move forward dramatically.
Jesus then uses a funny illustration about a CAMEL and a NEEDLE. He says: “A camel can go through the eye of a needle far easier than a rich person can enter the Kingdom of God.” Some people believe that Jesus was referring to the small gates in the walls of Jerusalem that were extremely tight and narrow, a camel could squeeze through, but it was very difficult. And maybe so, I don’t know. But…
WHAT IS THE POINT OF WHAT JESUS SAYS?
And now look at verses 26-27:
“Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”” Luke 18:26, 27
This seems like a reasonable question – “who then can be saved?”
And look at Jesus’ response: Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
WHAT IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH MEN?
The ways of the Pharisee leads to experiencing the impossibility of self-effort.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no-one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 9
But, when we come to God as a child – we experience the possibilities of God’s grace!
HOW HAS THE GRACE OF GOD AFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
CONCLUSION:
Because we belong to God, we are free to kill off the inner Pharisee and to embrace the inner child who lives by faith in the grace of God.
Because we belong to God, we don’t have to try to impress others with our self-efforts, we are free to enjoy our status as His child and celebrate His kindness towards us.
Because we belong to God, joy can become a trademark of our lives.
GO LIVE LIKE A KID OF THE KING!
Jesus frequently encounters two types of people during his ministry years:
PHARISEES – those who believe that self-efforts at righteousness will result in God’s approval.
CHILDREN – those who simply trust in the grace of God for approval.
Here’s the truth: We can sometimes be PHARISEES and sometimes we can be CHILDREN.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON BEHAVIORS OR ATTITUDES OF PHARISEES?
In Luke 18:11-27 we are going to encounter three different stories that illustrate the difference between PHARISEES and CHILDREN.
Look at verses 10-14
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”” Luke 18:9-14
Jesus is not afraid to confront those who need it. Notice the words in verses 10: “confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else…” These two things are NOT FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT!
Jesus illustrates two different ways of praying:
Vs. 11-12 is the PHARISEE
Vs 13 is the CHILD
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE PHARISEE’S WAY OF PRAYING?
HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THE PRAYER OF THE CHILD?
Now look at verse 14 for Jesus’ thoughts:
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””
If I exalt myself, I can count on being humbled. But, if I come before God with humility, He will lift me up!
“He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18, NIV.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6
WHAT IS IT ABOUT SPIRITUAL ARROGANCE THAT MAKES GOD NUTS?
Now, let’s go to the next story in verses 15-17
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”” Luke 18:15-17
Parents are bringing their babies and children before Jesus. They were seeking the blessing of being touched by Jesus for their precious children. And the Disciples of Jesus ‘rebuke’ the parents for this, and inadvertently block the blessing!
Now Jesus says: “Knock it off! This is why I’m here – to bring the Presence of the Kingdom of God to people just like this! And if you want my blessing, you need to become like these little ones!”
WHY DID THE DISCIPLES REBUKE THE PARENTS?
WHY DID JESUS REBUKE THE DISCIPLES?
WHY DOES JESUS REQUIRE CHILDLIKENESS?
WHAT IS IT ABOUT KIDS THAT MAKES THEM MORE RECEPTIVE?
Now look at the third story – verses 18-25
You probably know this as the “Rich Young Ruler”
“A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No-one is good-- except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.’” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, 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.”” Luke 18:18-25
In verse 18 we are introduced to this man. He is described as a ‘ruler’ – which could mean royalty – like a prince, or military – like a captain, or a magistrate – like a judge. Regardless of the specific meaning, this man had authority over some group of people.
He is apparently hungry – at some level – to have what he sees in Jesus. And he poses the question: “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
And Jesus looks right into the depths of his heart and won’t let him get away with any PHARISEE nonsense. Look what Jesus says in verse 19: “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No-one is good-- except God alone.”
WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC HEART ISSUE THAT JESUS IS ADDRESSING HERE?
He is saying: “Self-efforts will never suffice! There is no one who can be described as being ‘good’ except God Himself!” And that is why Jesus asks the next question – to continue to expose the false belief system that this man is seeking to build his life upon.
“You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.’” V. 20
One of the key purposes that God gave the LAW OF MOSES, the TEN COMMANDMENTS was to help the people of God see the absolute IMPOSSIBILITY of self-efforts to be perfect in order to discover the amazing grace of God!
But look at how the ruler responds in verse 21:
“All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.” V. 21
HOW WOULD A HUMBLE PERSON RESPOND TO CHRIST’S QUESTION?
HOW DOES THIS RESPONSE EXPOSE THE HEART OF THIS MAN?
How about this? “ALL THESE I HAVE BROKEN SINCE I WAS A BOY.”
That Pharisee deludes himself into believing in his own perfection and goodness. The child recognizes his lack and his need for help.
So Jesus continues his heart surgery:
“You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.” V. 22-23
In this ruler’s particular case, he loved his wealth far more than he loved God. So, God, who is not willing to sit in the second chair, tells him to get rid of his idols and come follow Him.
Obviously this man wasn’t willing to give up his wealth – his security, in order to follow Jesus. And Jesus, ever confident and secure in his own identity, allows him to walk away.
Now look at verse 24-25.
“Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, 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.”
The word Jesus uses for ‘rich’ is the Greek word CHREMA and it means: ‘thing, matter, affair, event or business’ And what Jesus is saying is that there are many things that can block your relationship with God.
There are many ‘things’ in our lives that we’d be so much better off without. And if you can ever get free of them, your spiritual life will move forward dramatically.
Jesus then uses a funny illustration about a CAMEL and a NEEDLE. He says: “A camel can go through the eye of a needle far easier than a rich person can enter the Kingdom of God.” Some people believe that Jesus was referring to the small gates in the walls of Jerusalem that were extremely tight and narrow, a camel could squeeze through, but it was very difficult. And maybe so, I don’t know. But…
WHAT IS THE POINT OF WHAT JESUS SAYS?
And now look at verses 26-27:
“Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”” Luke 18:26, 27
This seems like a reasonable question – “who then can be saved?”
And look at Jesus’ response: Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
WHAT IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH MEN?
The ways of the Pharisee leads to experiencing the impossibility of self-effort.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no-one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 9
But, when we come to God as a child – we experience the possibilities of God’s grace!
HOW HAS THE GRACE OF GOD AFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
CONCLUSION:
Because we belong to God, we are free to kill off the inner Pharisee and to embrace the inner child who lives by faith in the grace of God.
Because we belong to God, we don’t have to try to impress others with our self-efforts, we are free to enjoy our status as His child and celebrate His kindness towards us.
Because we belong to God, joy can become a trademark of our lives.
GO LIVE LIKE A KID OF THE KING!
posted by Doug Love at 8:43 AM
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