I. Inherit does not Equate with Justification; enter can mean possession; life = dominion

See Eternal Life Study Notes

II. Obedience To The Commandments And Self Denial Are Required (not just simple trust)

Mt 19:16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. " There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" the man inquired.  Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' " 20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. " What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell 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." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" 26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible

A. What does he have to do? 17 If you want to enter life, obey the commandments; 21 sell and give, then follow (as a disciple)

B. What does he get?  17 If you want to enter life 21a If you want to be perfect, 21b you will have treasure in heaven.

23 it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.  25 Who then can be saved?

Mk 10:24…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!

III. Disciple's Question: We Did…What Will We Get? Mt 19:27

19:27 Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" 28 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.  30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.......20:15 Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'16 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

A. What should disciples do? 27  have left everything to follow you!;  28 you who have followed me; 29 everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother f or children or fields for my sake

B. What do disciples get? 28 sit on twelve thrones, judging (Power, rulership-dominion) 29 receive a 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life.

C. When do disciples get? 28a at the renewal of all things, (when Jesus returns & sets up His kingdom); 28b  when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne,

The following parable is bracketed by Lk 19:30 first will be last...last will be first. and 20:16  the last will be first, and the first will be last.  and must be interpreted in light of these "bookends" and understood in such a manner that it explains the previous section beginning at 19:16 covering the lack of reward for the rich man  and the great reward for the disciples. In Jewish thought at the time the rich were those whom God favored and blessed because He was pleased with them and the poor were those under God's curse, with whom He was not pleased. . Thus the rich man was considered "first" now but would be considered "last" when Jesus passed out rewards. The disciples who had nothing would be considered "last" but would eventually be considered "first".            Note also that the "first" did receive something, although that is not the main point of the parable. That the reward seems to be the same for everyone can not be seen as the point of the parable, not only because of the "bookends" but also for the contradiction that would exist between the previous clear teaching and sworn promises of Jesus and the parable that explained them. Jesus had clearly promised the disciples and all who followed Him a great reward which not everyone received. See Eternal Life Study Notes

IV.  What should a Modern Day Disciple  Do  to  Get  Eternal Life?

1Tim 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue/follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 17 Command  those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the eternal life (cx NKJV)

A.  The Reward Of Eternal Life Is Dependent Upon: Fleeing, Following (in Fellowship), Fighting, And Finishing.

2Tim 2:22  Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

B.  The Wise Disciple exchanges Temporal Power(security-significance)/Pleasure/Possessions for that which he cannot lose

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1.  What holds most people back from following Christ? From obeying? What blocks your way? What will you do about it?

2. Why a negative attitude toward the obedience of commandments? Does the NT charge believers with the responsibility to obey?

3. What keeps people who believe in salvation by grace through faith from living a life of spotless obedience?

4. Do people have to be instructed to do good? Why? What kind of good did you do last week, could you do this upcoming week?

5. What kind of foundation are you building your present and future life upon? Do you need to do some remodeling this week?