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CHRISTIANITY COME OUT! How Tradition has Blinded Us and Kept Us in a Tomb: Illustration, Poem and Text by; James Robert Kessler Lazarus (Come forth my beloved): a Poem My pain begins to vanish, my eye’s grow slowly dim, As my beloved sister’s sorrow and weep; I slowly drift off into a darkness, I slowly drift off into a sleep: My youth and wealth seem to have betrayed me, My life’s own breath grows Oh so weak; I slip off into the darkness, I slip off into my sleep: As the darkness now surrounds me, I hear a voice that calls my name; Like a light that shines so brightly, "Lazarus, come forth" this light exclaims: My burial clothes still embrace me, As I step out towards the shining light; My Lord has come to release me, From the shackles and chains of a long dark night: Yet my true testimony has been shrouded, By traditions veil upon us shoved; But my witness is true and faithful, For I am the disciple whom Jesus loved: C2008 Well, Tradition Mostly Just as Jesus raised Lazarus with the shout of "Lazarus come forth" or "Lazarus come out", Christianity must do the same thing in the shout or light of the revealed Scripture. At times, religious dogma and traditions have blinded us from the light of revealed truth and buried us in the dark tomb of a settled, lifeless pursuit of God. Concerning tradition, as I was doing the research for this article I came across a quote that I felt would be an appropriate way to begin. It comes from a Tom Hanks movie titled, "Charlie Wilson’s War." A wealthy socialite named Joanna asks the congressmen played by Hanks a simple question. "Why is congress saying one thing and doing nothing." To which he replies, "Well, tradition mostly." Well, tradition mostly also shapes our Christian belief systems and worldview. And most discouraging of all, it affects our faith in ways we are totally unaware. We believe what we do because we assume that what we’re taught growing up in church or what tradition’s we have practiced is the absolute truth. In doing so, we are declaring something as the "gospel truth" in our own lives based solely upon our own experience’s. The truth as we "individually" know and perceive it through our own experience can end up to be a pretty watered down truth. Jesus Christ represents all truth. The Scripture testifies about Him alone. By using the evidence from Holy Scripture, I would like to challenge a traditional belief we hold in the hope it would help us examine God’s word more carefully and diligently in the future. And to be perfectly clear, I believe the Bible is the ultimate authority in proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ and that it is inspired through the Holy Spirit as men were directed to write it. With that in mind, the question I would like to address in this article is, who was the writer of the fourth gospel, the one that we call John? The main source material you will need for this presentation is the Holy Scripture. Only one or two outside sources are used and noted in conjunction with the Scripture itself. To begin, we are given four gospels accounts in Scripture that records some of the places and events that center around the life of Jesus Christ. Matthew, Mark, Luke and the one we "traditionally"call John. Again, focusing on the one we call John, I would like to put forth a case using only the Scriptural evidence to prove another "disciple" of Jesus was responsible for the content and was the actual source of this gospel. Another disciple outside the main twelve who was a prominent figure in the life of Jesus yet is noticeably absent from the rest of the gospel narrative’s concerning the Lord’s life and ministry. Especially during the last few months of His life, death and resurrection. Noticeably absent only because we never connected all the dots in Scripture that possibly already identified him in the telling of the other gospel accounts. There are three separate incidence’s in Scripture that I will be especially looking at that has never been tied together before. The first one is a parable. The second one is an encounter Jesus had with a rich, young ruler. And the last one is the greatest miracle of Jesus earthly ministry. The raising of Lazarus of Bethany. We’ll begin with the source or identity of the disciple whom Jesus loved. In doing so, I believe a very compelling case can be made for him also being the rich, young ruler and the embodiment of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. CSI: Judea Some of the most popular shows on television are the crime scene investigators (CSI) programs. Programs that meticulously shift through the evidence both seen and unseen, to come to an accurate, reasonable conclusion of guilt or innocence. The same thing can be done with the Scripture if you consider all the evidence presented as a whole in terms of its cultural and historical context. Looking at the three events separately I mentioned previously, robs the reader of their intended meaning when they are not read as a whole or in context of what was happening in the last several months of Jesus’ life. The key to unveiling their meaning is to look at the whole picture of audience relevance, cultural perspective and what the reader is already told through the previous texts. When this is done, everything Jesus said or His miracles no longer can be read as random acts. There is a common thread that is revealed when all these points are looked at as a whole and not just the sum of separate parts. Again, once we begin to connect the dots of who was the true source of the fourth gospel, we can then try to use the Scripture to identify the writer or witness to the authenticity of that source. I’m proposing through this article with the Scripture as my best evidence, that the source and the material for the fourth gospel is only part of the equation. I’m also proposing there is another writer and witness that affirms the testimony found in the gospel we call John as being authentic. The actual name of the writer himself might be even a greater surprise but as you will see throughout this article, "With God, all thing’s are possible." The Unmasking of Lazarus, the Disciple whom Jesus Loved Scripture plainly identifies the disciple whom Jesus loved as Lazarus of Bethany no matter what our tradition’s may have led us to believe. Let’s examine it more throughly. We know or at least can reasonably deduce that Jesus had many followers or disciples apart from the main twelve. We assume that John the son of Zebedee was the beloved disciple because tradition has assumed that he is the writer because it bares his name. Yet the Scripture itself never tells us that John is this beloved disciple. Later we will attempt to identify the actual writer who knew the source personally and probably witnessed many of the events himself because he knew this disciples’, the one that Jesus loved, testimony was true. How do we know that the one who is the source again, the disciple whom Jesus loved, isn’t the one who actually authored this account? We know this from the text. It says of the disciple, "and WE know that his testimony is true." This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. John 21:24 The phase, "the disciple whom Jesus loved" is very specific to only one person in Scripture. And it’s not John the son of Zebedee, but Lazarus. Before Pentecost, there are only fifteen verses that mentions Jesus’ love. Three are in reference to Lazarus, five refer to the disciple whom Jesus loved, and the other seven are in reference to Jesus love in a general manner: Mk.10-21, Jn. 13:1 (2x) 13:34, 14:21, 15:9 and 15:12. So of the fifteen verses mentioning Jesus love eight are very specifically directed towards one person, Lazarus of Bethany. In identifying Lazarus as the source of this fourth gospel we are not focusing on the application of God’s love towards everyone or the principles of the word love but Jesus love specifically towards someone who is actually named in this gospel account. And the name of that man is Lazarus. Lazarus held a very special place in the heart of Jesus. Jesus never showed as much human emotion as He did in the account of the raising of Lazarus from the grave. Lazarus and his sister’s, Mary and Martha, were arguably the only one’s outside the twelve that meant the most to Jesus during His time here on earth. This is very important to understand because shortly after probably one of the greatest miracles in the ministry of Jesus, Lazarus is no longer mentioned by name. The sudden appearance in Scripture of the disciple whom Jesus loved suddenly becomes the focal point in all the major events of Jesus ministry in the telling of the rest of the gospel we call John. Only one person could of played such a significant part of Jesus ministry besides the chosen twelve. Only one person could have access to His appearing before the high priests during His trail. Only one person wasn’t in fear for his life as he watched Jesus being lifted up on the cross. Only one person understood what it was like to once be dead and be risen on resurrection morning. Only one person could of done all these things apart from the main twelve and that was the disciple whom Jesus loved mentioned in all these passages I mentioned, Lazarus. The raising of Lazarus from the dead is the beginning of the end of Jesus time here upon the earth. It is surely the defining moment when the religious authorities hear of it, they knew Jesus had to be executed. Lazarus was no ordinary Jewish citizen of Israel. He was known in the highest circle’s of the priesthood. His return to life after four days dead should of been biggest news event in Israel since their escape from Pharaoh and Egypt. What makes this even more curious is that none of the other gospel writer’s seen it necessary to include it in their narrative’s of the events in the life of Jesus. Considering this miracle takes place within weeks of Jesus own crucifiction and the publicity it stirred up among the people and the ruling authorities in Jerusalem, this seems to be a major oversight on their part. Especially considering the effects it had on His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Many came to see not only Jesus but Lazarus, the walking dead man. Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. John 12:9 What a parade into Jerusalem that must of been. Palm branches guided Him while Jesus was hailed as the son of David, as the people cried out, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." His fame was at an all time high. Why then is it missing from the other gospel accounts? Lazarus also had become even a greater celebrity considering his standing and social status of his family, which we’ll look into further later. But first we’ll begin with a parable. The Saga of the Rich Man and Lazarus There are several incidence’s in the Scripture that I believe helps us identify Lazarus as the main source of the fourth gospel. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is possibly a key in helping us solve the puzzle that might further identify Lazarus as the rich, young ruler we will meet soon after this in Luke’s gospel. It’s important not only to read these accounts but also try to put them in context to whom Jesus was addressing and the Jewish zeitgeist that prevailed in the first century. It is most important to remember that Jesus was more than a great storyteller, He was a prophet of the highest authority. This is the only parable that Jesus gave us that where a figure or person is mentioned by name and that name happens to be Lazarus. Timing is important to remember here. Jesus was in the last year of His earthly ministry and His own death was soon approaching. Before Jesus introduces us to this particular parable He had just taught His disciples a lesson about being wise with the possessions that God entrusts them with. It was the parable of the clever steward. In the later part of this parable we see how the effects of material possession’s can have on our relationship with God. "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? "And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own? "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Luke 16:10-13 Basically Jesus was addressing the decaying state of Judaism and just how corrupt it had become. Notice who overheard heard this parable, the pharisee’s. The steward in this parable is Israel. God had entrusted them with His riches of covenant promises and material wealth. Notice how the parable begins. HE also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. "So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' Luke 16:1-2 The pharisee’s knew Jesus was talking about them. That’s why when they heard it they ridiculed Him. Yet this is exactly what they were doing. Trying to serve both God and money. Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:14-15 Jesus was making light of their hypocrisy. They continually were justifying themselves before men and saw their priesthood as having an even greater authority then Jesus. Which to their own shame, they did not recognize from their own Scripture. Next He would further illustrate’s this point by telling His disciple’s the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This parable wasn’t about the afterlife as most of us have been taught. If we are consistent in interpreting the Scripture in the overall context and setting it took place, then it’s meaning becomes much clearer as we will see later in the text. Hear is the whole passage. "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores."So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried."And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us. Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment. Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead." Lk. 16:16-31 (NKJV) The first thing you should notice about this passage is the rich man isn’t named. This rich man represents Israel in this parable. Jesus was pointing out the final state of those who put their trust in the law and riches. The poor man is named and his name happens to be Lazarus. In this parable Lazarus represents the nations outside of relationship with God. Remember how Jesus addressed the gentile women in their encounter in Matthew chapter fifteen? But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Matt 15:26-27 (NKJV) Jesus refers to the children’s bread with is the promise of the messiah and not throwing it to the "dogs" or the gentiles just yet. Another point that is often times overlooked is that we are not told the state of their belief. Was Lazarus carried to the bosom of Abraham because of his sores and poverty? Again this parable isn’t about the afterlife. The pharisee’s who overheard this parable knew exactly what Jesus was saying concerning them. By Jesus mentioning that this rich man had five brothers sould of been another clue. A clue that points to the high priest of Israel at that time. Annas the high priest had five sons who would succeed him. The use of the words, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, by Jesus signifies this to be the temple in Jerusalem. So we can reasonably assume that the rich man not only represented wealth and power but most of all, he represented Israel. This parable about the rich man and Lazarus was more than just a bedtime story, it was a prophecy of the sovereignty of God Almighty. Lazarus, the one whom Jesus loved, embodied this parable himself. Again let’s imagine the disciples reaction when the rich, young ruler approaches them later after hearing this story. They now see a rich man approaching Jesus, a man who they all already knew, not ready to lay down all his riches to follow after Jesus. They instantly remembered the name of the man in the parable because I believe they were looking at a man with the same name who was now desiring a personal relationship with God through his friend, Jesus. He was rich and influential in the highest circles of the priesthood, and Jesus was a frequent guest in his sister’s home and Jesus loved him. As we look at this encounter more closely later we can better understand why Peter asked the question, "Who then can be saved." This parable would soon start to play itself out before them. It wouldn’t be completed though until Jesus went to Bethany to raise His friend from the dead. Don’t you think the disciple’s who witnessed this great miracle remembered the parable along with the encounter of the rich, young ruler? It’s what happened after Lazarus was raised from the dead that proved the parable true. But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead." Luke 16:31 Does Lazarus being raised from the dead persuade the religious authorities of Jesus’ day to repent? No it didn’t! Like Jesus said, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead." They only conspired to kill Lazarus also but never followed through with it for a reason we’ll look at later. Introducing "Our Friend Lazarus" and the Glory of God We know from the literal reading of the text that Lazarus must of had some prior relationship with Jesus before we are introduced to him in the later part of the fourth gospel. When Jesus received the news that "the one you love is sick," it appears He kept this message to Himself for two more day’s. For what purpose would He do this? We learn later He did this so that god would be glorified. This reason becomes clear as the upcoming event unfolds. He then announced to His disciples that "our friend" Lazarus was sleeping and He must go and wake him up. At first they didn’t understand until Jesus told them plainly that Lazarus was dead. Also the language of "our friend" suggests someone they all were very familiar with in some capacity and someone Jesus loved dearly. These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." John 11:11 Judging by the great number of mourners in Bethany when Jesus and His disciple’s arrived, Lazarus and his two sisters seem to be well known throughout the region. And still after four days they were still with the sister’s. I would venture to guess that the passing of a rich, young nobleman was big news in such a close knit Jewish society. Especially one that would soon be raised unto life by the Galilean who loved him. Mary and Martha surely are no strangers to the ministry of Jesus. Their relationship with Him went way back to the very beginning of His earthly ministry. They knew exactly who He was in relationship to God and their interaction with Him is quite revealing. So revealing in fact they knew what His inner circle (Peter and the other eleven knew,) Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." John 11:27 This was Martha of Bethany who addressed Him this way. The sister of Lazarus who we meet in Luke’s gospel who was concerned that her sister Mary was spending to much time listening to Jesus and not helping her out with the serving. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."Lk. 10:40 "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."Luke 10:42 Notice, Jesus also tells Martha that Mary has chosen the "good part" which I believe He is referring to the spiritual food that Mary was enjoying that afternoon. Martha must of dropped her pots and pans at some point to listen to the Master. Mary and Martha were genuine disciples of Jesus and we find out later how much He loved them. And we know it wasn’t for their cooking or their serving but for their great faith and belief. The First shall be last and the Last shall be First Again, In Luke’s account we learn that Jesus was very familiar with the household of Lazarus early on in His ministry. We know that Lazarus’ sister’s were followers of Christ but we don’t much of anything about Lazarus except the fact that he possessed some wealth and influence with some friend’s in high places. So maybe it shouldn’t surprise us when we learn that "a certain" young man in the Luke 18:18 account of the rich, young ruler, which we’ll soon look at more in detail, approaches Jesus to ask him how he could obtain eternal life. I believe there is a connection here that is mostly overlooked in Scripture. Lazarus and his sister’s came from a wealthy and well known Jewish family. Mary with her expensive ointments that she lavished upon Jesus and Martha with her servant heart says a great deal about this family who was definitely a part of a small aristocratic sect in Judea. After three years of of friendship and fellowship with his friend Jesus I believe Lazarus desired more of what Jesus was offering in his promise’s of eternal life. He wanted to have and know what his sister’s knew about Jesus. Even more striking is when we are first introduced to Lazarus in John chapter eleven it is in this fashion. Now a "certain man" was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. John 11:1 Before I get into the detail's of why I believe Lazarus to be the rich young ruler mentioned in the other three gospel’s, I would like add something that I believe is relevant to the story. Remember how Luke refers to the rich, young ruler in his gospel account written to the most excellent Theophilus. "A certain young man." This language is important because it identifies the recipient of the message to someone he is familiar with personally. So if Theophilus understood who this rich, young ruler was we should be able to do the same with what the Scripture already tells us about him. Or maybe it has to do with something more important? God’s revealed glory! The raising of Lazarus, a rich, young ruler, was just for that purpose. The first question that should come to mind is if Lazarus is the rich, young ruler then why did it take him so long to ask Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life if he is the brother of Martha and Mary, known follower’s of Jesus Christ? Now a "certain ruler" asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18 Now if this were Lazarus, why would he ask Jesus this question? Especially considering the amount of time Jesus must of spent in his own household if Mary and Martha is this rich, young ruler’s sister’s. Briefly, I think the answer to this question can be explained if walked in Lazarus shoes for just one day. The rich, young ruler claimed he had kept the commandments from his youth. All he knew was the law of Moses and the torah. He must of looked upon Jesus many times wondering could this be the one? Could this be the Messiah of Israel? We know there was a purpose for the Scripture to introduce this young man to us. Was it only for us to watch him walk away after Jesus told to sell all your possessions and follow Him? Or could it of been for a greater reason? A reason that would reveal the glory of God and the things that are only possible through His mighty hand? Remember, Lazarus death had a profound effect on Jesus and I believe it was because of this incident that occurred several months before concerning the individual whom Jesus looked upon with love. The rich, young ruler. I also believe there is another puzzle piece that adds another element of intrigue into this mix. A parable. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The life and death of Lazarus of Bethany contained all three of these elements. He was rich. He was a devoted Israelite and true son of Abraham and he would soon lose his life. Introduced at first through his sister’s he was just an acquaintance of Jesus, I believe this is also the one who became the closest to Jesus in the twilight of His ministry because they would share a common bond. That bond would be a tomb. Why is this bond so important? Only three people in Scripture are said to have been raised from the dead. Lazarus, Jairuis daughter: Matt 9:18-25 and a widows son: luke 7:12-15. Only Lazarus was already in a tomb for *four days and awaiting the resurrection on the last day according to Scripture. This makes this tomb scenario very symbolic in the account of Jesus’ interaction with the young rich ruler. The greek word that describes both Jesus tomb and Lazarus’ tomb are the same word. We know that Jesus was buried in a rich man’s tomb. A tomb that was carved out of a cave and had a stone covering the entrance. Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. John 11:38 It is also very symbolic of what occurred after the death of Jesus and had an impact on the disciple whom Jesus loved when he first discovered the empty tomb. It is this same disciple who was the first to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that first Easter morning. When he reached the tomb with Peter he didn’t go in. What made him stop from going in before Peter? And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Jn 20:5 "and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself." Jn.20:7 Lazarus is the only other man mentioned in Scripture that wore these same type of burial linens. And then the Scripture states that the disciple with Peter, BELIEVED. He believed because he once called the tomb his home for four days. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. John 20:8 The "other disciple" reached the tomb first. He didn’t go in right away because of what he saw. He was familiar with the feel of a "handkerchief" around his head. Only Lazarus could of known how grave cloths felt when worn. So for him to instantly believe is pretty understandable given the circumstances. The first to "believe" is another piece of key evidence to his identity. In Mark’s gospel when Jesus appeared to the eleven, He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who had already seen Him. Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Mark 16:14 The "other disciple" who went with Peter to the tomb was clearly not one of these eleven Jesus rebuked for their unbelief. Yet in their defense, none of them ever wore the wardrobe Lazarus wore for four days. Nor had they ever experienced "fearlessness" like Lazarus, the one who once journeyed into the bosom of Abraham, until they saw their Master spit into the face of death through His resurrection. "Oh death where is thy victory, oh death where is thy sting?" This is the living victory that not only Lazarus and the eleven experienced on that resurrection day but also the victory we are partakers in and enjoy the benefits of all it spoils, the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ! *Something I found during my research concerning the reference to four days, there is some evidence of a Rabbinical belief that a soul hovered near the body of the deceased for three days. Hoping to be able to return to the body. But on the fourth day it saw the beginning of decomposition and finally departed. (Levitcus Rabbah 18:1) "Good Teacher, What Shall I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?" Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, Mk. 10:21(a) There are several theories put forth by those who recognize Lazarus to be the disciple whom Jesus loved of where we first meet Lazarus in the Scripture. One is that he was an original unnamed disciple of John the Baptist. Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. John 1:35-37 Some believe Lazarus to be that other unnamed disciple. I don’t believe this to be the case. Using the other gospel’s as reference and again, I believe we were introduced to him all along. The identity of Lazarus by piecing together the evidence from Scripture where he isn’t mentioned by name could easily explain how Jesus could of known him for quite some time. Using the Scripture as reference, I believe we already established Jesus connection with Lazarus’ sisters early in His ministry and that by itself is pretty solid proof. Now let’s meet that "Certain" Young Man of the other three gospel’s. Now a "certain ruler" asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18 There are several key passages in the account of this meeting between Jesus and this young man, the rich, young ruler, that argue for his identity being Lazarus. All three gospel writers record the "certain young ruler" incident except the author of John gospel. This encounter is important because it comes near the end of Jesus earthly ministry and this "certain" young man was already very familiar with all the disciples and especially Jesus. Someone so significant that Jesus loved him dearly, called His and the other disciple’s their friend, and even wept and grieved over before everyone who was present that day at his burial cave. How could we of missed him in the other accounts of the gospel considering how Jesus felt towards him? Or have the other three gospels identified him already for us and we have simply missed it because our traditions have blinded us ? For the first three gospel writer’s to mention this interaction between Jesus and this "certain" young man is astonishing because I believe it deals with the sovereignty and purpose of Christ death and resurrection. A resurrection that only one man would experience before the end of the age and embodied all the hope of Israel through this young keeper of the law and his desire to be saved. I believe he would be eventually saved and though at the time this seemed impossible to those around him, we are told by Jesus that with God, all things are possible. This statement by Jesus is especially curious considering Jesus comment about the rich and powerful keeper of the law having a snow balls chance in hell of obtaining eternal life when given the choice between two master’s, money and God. Even the "certain" one those around Jesus knew He loved dearly but God had something greater in His purpose that day. It would occur in Bethany and for one purpose only, HIS GLORY!! Walking a Mile or Two in the Sandal’s of the Disciples Have you ever tried to imagine yourself in the "sandals" of the disciples as they walked with Jesus? Let’s do this with the account of the rich, young ruler. All three accounts in the gospel’s are pretty close to each other texturally but there are a few details not mentioned in some places that when put together as a whole, paints us a pretty good picture of Jesus encounter with this young man. When this is done the account of the rich, young ruler looks like this. Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"
Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"Mark 10:17 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke.18:18 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." Mark 10:21 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. "And again I say to you, 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." When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matt 19:16-30 This main body of text is taken from Matthew’s account but there are a few minor details added to it in the other two. For example, Mark tells us the young ruler came running up to him and knelt down and also that as Jesus looking at him, loved him! Luke’s account starts this text with "Now a certain young ruler," which is very interesting in it’s wording that we’ll look at later more in depth. Now step back for a moment and pretend you are looking at this encounter through the eye’s of the disciple’s. This rich, young man seemed to have it all including the love of Jesus upon him. He must of witnessed Jesus during His ministry, heard His teachings, saw His miracle’s, and followed Him throughout Judea. Jesus certainly knew what it took for a man such as this to approach Him the way he had in dropping down on his knee’s before Him. Lazarus was a true son of Israel. He kept the law from his youth and the only thing he understood was riches and power. He calls Jesus good. Jesus purposely directs him back to the Father for what was to transpire later. . So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. Luke 18:19 Yet the question on this young man heart was he wanted Jesus to tell him how he could inherit eternal life. What moved his heart to ask such a question considering his understanding of what the law and the commandments teach concerning the requirements under the Mosaic covenant? Imagine standing there and watching a member of the Jewish aristocrat society kneeling down before the carpenter from Nazareth. A young man who embodied all they understood of being a just and devote Israelite. Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18 Imagine the disciples surprise when Jesus directed him in keeping the commandments when they knew this "certain" young man already understood these things. But Jesus knew another truth about this young man. He knew it was his riches and power that he cherished most because He knew his heart. More so than the commandments or the law he so dearly loved and respected. He answers Jesus by expressing that he has kept all these things (commandments) from his youth. Then the Scripture reveals a very telling detail about how Jesus looked upon this young man. Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." Mk. 10:21 Again, Jesus knew this young man’s heart. Those around him had to recognize this simple interaction. Wouldn’t you if you were standing there? Mark even records the love Jesus had towards him. They watched as this young man’s continence suddenly fell as he knew he wasn’t ready in his own heart to do these things Jesus was asking him. The disciples watched as he got up to walk away. What would be your thoughts in that moment? If Jesus loved him then why was He letting him walk away? I would of been heartbroken knowing what courage it must of taken for this young man to present himself the way he did before the Lord. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! Mk. 10:23-24 Little did they know it at the time but this young man’s life was for a greater purpose than all his silver or gold could ever of purchased for him. This young man needed an answer that concerned his eternal soul. Jesus then watched him walk away a confused, disenchanted wreak. In light of this, I believe it was in the total shock of what they just witnessed that the disciples then asked Jesus "How then can anyone be saved?" If we lived in that culture and only grew up knowing the law and the commandments we too would of had puzzled expressions on our face at what we just witnessed. Jesus then says something that goes directly to the one important point of the entire gospel message. It’s all about God alone!!! The One who commands our highest praise. But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." Mk. 10:27 I believe this statement foreshadows a future event in which those who witnessed this encounter would remember the rest of their lives. This rich, young ruler who Jesus looked upon with love would later be identified with the only other individual that Scripture states that Jesus loved. That man’s name was Lazarus. Remembering the parable of the rich man and one named Lazarus, you can now begin to imagine all the thought’s that were going through the disciple’s heads as God majesty began to be played out before them in the twilight of Jesus’ earthly ministry. This passage of the young man continues with another reference to eternal life and the age to come. So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, "who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life. Mark 10:29-30 Jesus knew that material things or law keeping or even power and earthly authority had no power over the grave. So as He watched this young man walk away I believe Jesus knew that this young man would soon come to realize this fact in dealing with his own mortality. Are we told of Lazarus final confession of faith. We know that his beloved sister’s who were devote follower’s of Jesus was most likely by his side during his final moments. Can you imagine their panic knowing Jesus wasn’t there when they needed Him most? We will witness later their great faith and belief because even in their darkest hour they knew that with God nothing was impossible. The account of this young man doesn’t end with him walking away. Jesus goes on to assure those around Him that riches and power isn’t the ticket that assures eternal life because we need to remember only God could make what seemed impossible with men to be possible through Him. He would do this through the death and raising of Lazarus. This very same certain young man who kneeled down before Him and desiring to know what his two sister’s already knew. Finally, here is the key verse in the account of the rich young ruler that leads me to believe that this young man who walked away never escaped the love Jesus showed towards him. "But many who are first will be last, and the last first." Matt 19:30 (Click "Read More" button below for the entire article) |
