The Rich Young Ruler

Written by Keith Parker, this appeared in the January 3, 1985 edition of the Gospel Advocate.

"And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him and asked Him, 'Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?' And Jesus said unto him, 'Why callest thou me good? There is none good but One, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, defraud not, honor thy father and mother.' And he answered and said unto Him, 'Master, all these have I observed from my youth.' then Jesus beholding him, loved him and said unto him, 'One thing thou lackest, go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross and follow me.' And he was sad at that saying and went away grieved, for he had great possessions" (Mark 10:17-22).

Usually we think of this story as a negative one because of the way it ends. Mark says that the rich young ruler went away sad. However, there are some positive things about this young man:

1. He came to the RIGHT PERSON. Verse 17 says that he came to the Master, Jesus Christ. Because Jesus is our example (1 Peter 2:21), our friend (John 15:13), the way to the Father (John 14:6), the way to salvation (Acts 4:12) and the way to happiness (John 13:17), that's why we say that the rich young ruler came to the right person. Some folks try to find happiness in wine, women, wisdom and wealth. But friend, Jesus is the way!

2. He came with the RIGHT ATTITUDE. Verse 17 says that he came and fell on his knees before Jesus. He bowed in submission to the Master. This indicates that he had a heart of humility. Brethren, the sin of ride will cause many to miss Heaven. God hates it (Proverbs 6:17). It's one of the sins that is listed by Paul in 2 Timothy 3 to indicate that we are living in terrible times. If one turns to Jesus he must humble himself to the Master and come to Jesus with the right attitude.

3. He came with the RIGHT INTENTION. Notice what the ruler asked: "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" His intention was to do the will of God. The question that the young ruler asked was also asked by sinners on Pentecost (Acts 2:37), by the jailer in Philippi (Acts 16:30) and by Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:10). Every time the question was asked, the answer was the same. Do the will of God. Jesus said, "Why call ye me, 'Lord, Lord' and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46) May we all turn to Jesus with the aim in mind of doing the Master's will.

4. He came with the RIGHT LIFESTYLE. When Jesus told him to keep the commandments, the rich young ruler answered, "Master, all these have I observed from my youth" (10:20). It seems that the young man had tried to live the right life. He wanted to do right. He had done right. He had kept the commandments.

Although the young ruler came to the right person with the right attitude, intention and lifestyle, Jesus told him, "One thing thou lackest." Often we are asked, "Preacher, do you believe that this one little thing will keep me out of Heaven?" My friend, one thing does make a difference! May God help us to do everything the Master requires.