Obstacles to Coming to Jesus

SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

PRIDE

LUKE 18:18 A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”... 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.’ ” 21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely wealthy. 24 And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For 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.” 26 They who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”

The rich ruler’s encounter exposes how even sincere efforts can be hindered by misplaced priorities. His desire for eternal life is genuine, yet he approaches it as something to achieve rather than receive. Jesus brings attention to the deeper attachment that governs his life, revealing that true discipleship requires surrender at the level of the heart. The conclusion makes it clear that salvation cannot be accomplished through human capability but depends entirely on God’s power.

LUKE 19:1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. 3 Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly. 7 When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Zaccheus provides a contrasting example where openness leads to change. His determination to see Jesus reflects a readiness that results in a personal encounter. Unlike the ruler, he responds with joy and willingness, and his actions demonstrate a transformed heart. The change in his life is not imposed but flows naturally from receiving Jesus. This shows that genuine salvation produces visible evidence, not as a requirement, but as a result of inner renewal.

DANIEL 7:13 “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. 14 And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed... 27 Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’

This vision places everything within the larger framework of God’s eternal plan. The “Son of Man” is portrayed as both a representative figure and a sovereign ruler who receives universal authority. This confirms that Jesus’ mission is not temporary but leads to an everlasting kingdom. It also assures that those who align themselves with Him share in that future, giving meaning and direction to present faith and obedience.

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