The rich young ruler

[MOC]

This story is told in 3 of the 4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. A young man came to Jesus asking Him, "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" The young man's question implies that he wanted to perform some "work" that might grant him eternal life. Jesus reveals exactly what the man was lacking and that he had not kept the commandments, therefore needs God's grace. Jesus explained that he must follow the commandments of the heart as well as his outwardly actions. This can be sometimes difficult for those who live a comfortable life.

Matthew 19:16-21 "If thou wilt be perfect." Jesus tells the young man to keep the commandments, which the man responds that he has. So Jesus says, "If thou wilt be perfect", meaning if he wants to be perfect, he should drop everything he is doing, sell all that he owns, and follow Him. Jesus knew that the man could not do this. No one is perfect but Jesus. The young man realizes his flaws and walks away "sorrowful".

Mark 10:23-26 "Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God." It was assumed that whomever was wealthy was in God's favor. Having more money and possessions opens up more doors for temptations. Remember, "to whom much is given, also much is required."

This young man was confused about salvation, believing he could have eternal life simply by being "good" and earning his way. Jesus obviously exposed him. Experts on human nature have taught us that humans are basically good. Also, many polls suggest that evangelicals overwhelmingly believe in the "goodness" of mankind. This is very surprising since that the Bible states that we are chronically sinful. Jesus says, "no one is good but one, that is, God." In Luke 18:18, the young man is referred too as "a certain ruler". The Greek word refers to "a leader" or an "official" of some sort. Most experts support the idea that the man may have been a member of the Sanhedrin. So, being wealthy and a respectable figure in the community, made it difficult to drop everything and follow Jesus. Jesus revealed to the rich young ruler, that he loved himself more than his neighbor and loved his possessions more than he loved God.

 

[Gideon300]

This story is told in 3 of the 4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. A young man came to Jesus asking Him, "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" The young man's question implies that he wanted to perform some "work" that might grant him eternal life. Jesus reveals exactly what the man was lacking and that he had not kept the commandments, therefore needs God's grace. Jesus explained that he must follow the commandments of the heart as well as his outwardly actions. This can be sometimes difficult for those who live a comfortable life.

Matthew 19:16-21 "If thou wilt be perfect." Jesus tells the young man to keep the commandments, which the man responds that he has. So Jesus says, "If thou wilt be perfect", meaning if he wants to be perfect, he should drop everything he is doing, sell all that he owns, and follow Him. Jesus knew that the man could not do this. No one is perfect but Jesus. The young man realizes his flaws and walks away "sorrowful".

Mark 10:23-26 "Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God." It was assumed that whomever was wealthy was in God's favor. Having more money and possessions opens up more doors for temptations. Remember, "to whom much is given, also much is required."

This young man was confused about salvation, believing he could have eternal life simply by being "good" and earning his way. Jesus obviously exposed him. Experts on human nature have taught us that humans are basically good. Also, many polls suggest that evangelicals overwhelmingly believe in the "goodness" of mankind. This is very surprising since that the Bible states that we are chronically sinful. Jesus says, "no one is good but one, that is, God." In Luke 18:18, the young man is referred too as "a certain ruler". The Greek word refers to "a leader" or an "official" of some sort. Most experts support the idea that the man may have been a member of the Sanhedrin. So, being wealthy and a respectable figure in the community, made it difficult to drop everything and follow Jesus. Jesus revealed to the rich young ruler, that he loved himself more than his neighbor and loved his possessions more than he loved God.

"Who then can be saved?" asked Peter. The rich man asked the wrong question. "What must I do?" And Lord Jesus told him to do the impossible (for man). Lord Jesus pointed to the true way, which is to trust God for salvation.

"God, be merciful to me a sinner" is the right heart attitude that causes God's mercy and grace to rise up. When we are focused on what we must do, it robs us of the joy of enjoying what God has already done in Christ.

 

[ewq1938]

Luk 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Luk 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

This took place within the old covenant. At that time, to receive eternal life one had to "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." ie: obey the law.

From the same discussion from Matthew:

Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

One doesn't have to be "perfect", in the sense of giving away all one's money or things, to receive eternal life. I dare say NO ONE here has given away everything they own else what computer is everyone using to post here? What home and car is owned and not sold to give away?

Luk 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Luk 10:26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Luk 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Luk 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.


Here we see only the requirements (at the time) to receive eternal life and there is nothing about selling everything you own and giving to the poor. That was only needed "to be perfect" which is akin to being more than the least in heaven.

To be perfect was "going above the call of duty" as they say. Getting an A on a test is not the same as getting an A+ is it?

 

[SomeDisciple]

There might be something to the distinction between "doing something to have eternal life" vs "doing something to inherit eternal life". One maybe suggests earning while the other asks "how do I get in on the inheritance?"

 

[Magenta]

Living under the law meant that to fail/break one part was to fail/break the whole of the law.

Thank God for grace!

 

[JaumeJ]

If we are given works by the Father, they are works indeed but never even begin to think any man can do anything for Him, he is the source of all good. Something to ponder, meditate, think about, pass some time fruitfully.

 

[ResidentAlien]

James 1:5-8:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."​

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The young ruler came to Jesus seeking wisdom. He liked the first part, he was on board with that. However, when Jesus told him the second part he doubted, he hesitated. He went away empty-handed because of his doubt—both in himself and the Lord.