• The BaptistWay lesson for Jan. 19 focuses on Luke 18:18-30.
Alcoholics Anonymous teaches its members they are powerless over their addiction to drink. One might think this would be obvious to people who have realized their need to seek out help for this kind of problem, but often that is not the case. Even those unfamiliar with the program know it involves 12 steps, and the initial impression many addicts have is the program will help them do something that will magically erase their addiction.
A lesson from Alcoholics Anonymous
So the first step—admitting you are powerless over your addiction—levels the playing field. The second step—relying on a “higher power”—is what makes recovery possible. However, a recovering alcoholic still is an alcoholic. That’s why that the first thing people do before sharing anything in a meeting—regardless of how long they have been sober—is state their name and the fact they are an alcoholic.
Valuable lessons can be learned from these principles, regardless of whether or not one is battling an addiction. There is more to life than managing bad habits. I think it should be the goal of every Christian to seek to glorify God in the unique way he created them to do so. Remembering who we are, who God is, and the difference living for him makes in our lives can help us to maintain a healthy perspective as we seek to serve and relate to God in a pleasing and glorifying manner.
Who we are
The rich ruler in our text is like an oblivious addict who approaches Jesus with only one desire—to know what he can do to make things right. Luke doesn’t elaborate on the identity of this ruler, but he is likely a member of the Jewish leadership that opposes Jesus or a ruler of a synagogue.
The way he addresses Jesus tells us much about what he understands (or misunderstands) about his identity: “Good teacher.” Jesus’ comment on this phrase in verse 19—“Why do you call me good?”—has puzzled many, but simply seems to be an attempt to help the ruler clarify his understanding about the nature of God and the way he relates to him. The ruler knew he couldn’t please God on his own and that he was a sinner, but he doesn’t seem to be aware of God’s nature or the difference God can make in his life.
In an attempt to expose his deficient understanding, Jesus initially points the ruler to what he knew would have been easy for him to accept—keeping the requirements of the law (v. 20). As expected, the ruler responds he has kept the law since he was able to understand it.
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One wonders why the ruler approached Jesus in the first place if what he claims is true. I believe it is because he had a clear understanding of who he was—powerless—in spite of doing all he could to make himself pleasing to God. This is a great starting point, but another step is required—following Jesus.
Who God is
The fact this ruler and all people are invited to follow Jesus demonstrates a grace beyond anyone’s ability to earn or understand. This invitation looks different for everyone. For the ruler in our text, it looks like giving up his riches because that is what was keeping him shackled and bound to his own self-sufficiency.
Upon hearing this, Luke tells us, “Jesus looked at him” (v. 24). If only the ruler could have seen Jesus clearly in that moment. He would have seen what motivated Jesus to give up his life for a hopeless people. He would have seen care, concern, frustration, sadness—and hope. Hope in spite of the ruler who was powerless to see past himself and his own abilities.
Out of this hope, Jesus would speak not only about the impossibility of the ruler and others like him to please God, but of the gracious truth that “what is impossible with men is possible with God” (v. 27).
The difference
“So what?” Peter wanted to know. “We get all that,” he seems to imply with his response. “We know who God is, that you are his son and that we are ultimately doomed without you. But what about right now?” The ruler was interested only in eternal life. Not the kind of “abundant life” (John 10:10) Jesus gives, but the kind of eternal life people who simply are scared of hell are concerned about. Peter wants to know following Jesus makes a difference right now. Of course, Jesus assures him it does both “in this age and in the age to come” (v. 30).
Sinner saved by grace
That’s what we all need and want to be assured of—that following Jesus makes a difference. I’ve been told one common cause of relapse among alcoholics is simply a loss of perspective. Perhaps they come to a point where they think they can handle a drink, or wonder what difference being sober has really made for them.
I’ve heard Christians ask a similar question: “I’ve gone to church all my life, and where has it gotten me?” If you haven’t learned who you are, who God is and the difference that following Jesus makes, then it probably hasn’t gotten you very far.
My name is Matt. I’m a sinner saved by grace. How about you?
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