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.
