Almost Persuaded (Matt. 19:16-22)

Jesus responds to the young man by asking a strange question: “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only One who is good” (v. 17). Jesus was really asking, “Do you have a clue as to who I am?” In the Living Bible, Jesus’ question becomes this statement: “When you call me good, you are calling me God.” Jesus was gently probing to see if there was within the young man a smidgen of faith, the kind of faith that could transform his life.

You know, we are about halfway through 2009. Actually, the year is 2009 A.D. “A.D.” means in Latin Anno Domini or “in the year of our Lord.” In our secular society we usually omit the A.D. Nevertheless, all of history is divided into two parts—B.C., or before Christ, and A.D., in the year of our Lord.

Not only that, each person’s life is divided into B.C. and A.D. Until you meet Christ and receive him by faith, you are living in a B.C. world, regardless of the year.

Jesus asked the rich young ruler long ago, “Are you still living in a B.C. world? Do you have that glimmer of faith necessary to cross over into the beautiful land of Anno Domini?”

Golf is on many minds. Let me tell you about a former great touring pro, Rik Massengale. Rik admits that early in his career, golf was his god. This not only caused him inner turmoil but also created marriage problems. His wife decided to file for divorce. But before the divorce was finalized, they had a long talk. They decided to attend the Tour Bible Study. The guest speaker happened to be Billy Graham, who was playing in the pro-am of the Kemper Open that year.

Billy Graham made a statement that rang Rik’s bell. He said, “Christianity is not a religion; it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Rik had grown up in church. He had assumed that being a Christian just meant attending church. Rik was honest enough to admit that he did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the guidance of a friend, Rik found out how he could start a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He confessed his own sin and trusted in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. His wife made that commitment at the same time.

Rik says, “I didn’t experience an overnight change, but over the next six to eight months I realized that God was making significant changes in my life.” In 1994, Rik and his wife celebrated their 25th anniversary, very much in love and very committed to Christ. Today Rik is the director of College Golf Fellowship, a Christian ministry to college golfers and coaches.¹ Now Rik’s life can be neatly divided between B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (in the years of our Lord).

In verse 21, Jesus makes both diagnosis and prescription. Since the signs of wealth were all over this young man, Jesus suspected that his soul might be in the bank with his stocks and bonds. So Jesus said, “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.”