NEW TESTAMENT CHARACTERS.

THE DYING ROBBER AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER.
He never followed Jesus, was never His disciple, was never baptised, never laid up treasure in Heaven - yet he went there - guaranteed.

He never entered or lived as part of “The Kingdom of Heaven” in his earthly life. He never did God’s will on earth as it is done in Heaven. He never knew “Eternal Life” as a quality of life on earth - only as a dying hope.

Perhaps he is typical of millions. One thing he does for us is guarantee Christ’s will to have people with Him in Heaven.

1st ROBBER
If you are the Messiah, why don’t you save yourself and us?

2nd ROBBER
Aren’t you afraid of God, we are in this together with Him - only we deserve it and He doesn’t.

Lord, remember me when you come in your kingdom.

JESUS
You will certainly be with me today in Paradise.

* * *

In contrast, there was a rich young ruler who had lived an upright moral life and came to Jesus, utterly sincere, asking “What good thing must I do to inherit eternal life.”

Jesus was not a preacher of quick easy shallow salvation. Those who seek it may well join the robber in Paradise - glad no doubt to be there but with never another chance to live for Christ on earth.

Jesus did not talk to the rich young ruler about the possibility of ultimately getting to Heaven. That was not the “Eternal Life” He was preaching. He was interested in bringing Heaven into the hearts of His followers and demonstrating it in the most unheavenly places on earth.

Jesus called the rich young ruler in just the same way that He had called Peter or Matthew - leave all and follow me - but He knew that this particular would-be follower had an encumbrance which would hold him back. He had to get rid of his wealth. It would be no use keeping it and bringing it along with him, it would always be there in the background, spoiling his commitment and sullying relationships with poorer disciples. It had to go.

“Sell all that you have and give it to the poor - you will have treasure in Heaven - and come, follow me.”

He went away sad, because he was rich.