The Rich Young Ruler
March 22, 2020
Commentary
Jesus encountered a rich, young ruler. Possibly the ruler of a synagogue. He asked Jesus what “good thing” he must do to get eternal life (v. 16)? It implies that he wanted to perform some work that might gain him salvation. Jesus replied, “there is only one who is good,” namely, God, and His Word tells us the good He would have us do in His commandments (v. 17).
Steeped in the multiplicity of Pharisaic regulations, the young man asked, “Which ones?” Jesus replied by repeating several of the commandments (vv. 18-19). The young man stated that He had kept all of these things, but he still sensed a lack so he asked, “What do I still lack (v. 20)?” Jesus put his finger on the problem when he told him to go, sell all his possessions and give to the poor, and then he would have treasure in heaven (v. 21). This he would not do and so he went away sorrowful (v. 22). He loved his money more than God. Nothing more was written about this young man; probably he never left all and followed Jesus.
The incident prompted a brief message from Jesus to His disciples (v. 23). He told how the danger for the rich lies in their trust in material resources rather than in God. He explains how it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man who trusts in his riches to get him to heaven (v. 24). Peter was quick to see the contrast between the wealthy ruler and the poor disciples. When the disciples heard this they were surprised and asked, “how can anyone ever be saved” (v. 25). Jesus looked them straight in the eye and said, “There are some things that people can not do, but God can do anything” (v. 26). Peter then asked what they would receive for this (v. 27). Peter displayed a wrong motive for service in his question so Jesus added a warning that some who were first in their own eyes would be last (vv. 28-30).
Application
Jesus hit this man where it hurt. If He were to address me where it hurts, what would His topic be? What have I given up to follow Jesus?
Matthew 19:16– 30 (NET)
16 Now someone came up to him and said, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to gain eternal life?” 17 He said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he asked. Jesus replied, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! 24 Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God.” 25 The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard this and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth: In the age when all things are renewed, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And whoever has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.