Why does Jesus remind the ruler of the commandments in Luke 18:20? Setting the Scene Luke records a respected, affluent ruler hurrying to Jesus with a burning concern about eternal life (Luke 18:18). Jesus answers by directing him first to the revealed Word he already knew—“You know the commandments” (Luke 18:20). Jesus Points the Ruler to God’s Standard • Luke 18:20: “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” • Jesus is not suggesting salvation by law-keeping; He is applying the law’s God-given purpose—exposing sin and revealing need (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24). • By citing familiar commands from the second table of the Decalogue (Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20), Jesus appeals to what the ruler professed to value: Scripture. The Law as Mirror, Mentor, and Measure • Mirror: Displays moral blemishes otherwise hidden (James 1:23-25). • Mentor: Leads sinners to Christ by clarifying the holiness of God (Galatians 3:24). • Measure: Sets the unchanging yardstick for righteousness (Romans 7:12). Jesus uses all three functions in one brief sentence. The Commandments Cited — Love for Neighbor • Each prohibition Jesus selects concerns tangible love for people. • The ruler insisted, “All these I have kept from my youth” (Luke 18:21). Outward conformity seemed intact, yet love for neighbor faltered the moment wealth was threatened (Luke 18:22-23). Exposing the Heart Behind the Compliance • Jesus’ next directive—“Sell all you own…then come, follow Me” (v. 22)—uncovered a hidden idol. • The law had done its preliminary work: diagnosing covetousness (Exodus 20:17). • True obedience flows from a heart that treasures God above possessions (Matthew 6:24). The Call Beyond Mere Rule-Keeping • Perfection required is not partial, but total—“Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at one point is guilty of all” (James 2:10). • “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Grace alone empowers the surrender the ruler lacked. Timeless Takeaways for Us Today • Scripture remains the authoritative guide Jesus uses to address spiritual need. • The commandments still reveal sin and drive us to the Savior. • Outward morality without inward devotion leaves the soul unsatisfied. • Eternal life comes through wholehearted trust in Christ, not in personal performance (Ephesians 2:8-9). |
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