The rich young ruler
Matthew 19:16-22
Introduction.
This conversation between Jesus and this rich young ruler is recorded in all three of the synoptic gospels. Mark says,” Jesus looking upon him loved him. (Mk 10:21). Studying the text, I find at least three qualities that are loveable about him,
1 He came at a good time.
Verse 20 of the text calls him a young man. The scripture says,” Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” (Eccle.12:1K. J)
18 out of twenty people that come to Christ do so before they are 25 years of age. At age twenty-five, 1 in 10,000 will become Christians. At age thirty-five, 1 in 50,000 will become Christians. At age forty-five, 1in 200,000 will become Christians. At age fifty-five, 1 in 300,000 will become Christian.
What do these numbers say about the importance of investing in the spiritual education of your children? Many parents say they do not want to force their Faith on their children, but if you don’t impart Faith to them at a young age, they may not embrace any faith at all.
Please note I’m not saying that older people can’t or don’t come to Christ. Whosoever will, may come!! My wife’s Granddaddy didn’t come to Christ until age sixty-five. Listen, it’s never too late to pray for our lost family and friends. Jesus said Luke 1:37 37For nothing will be impossible with God.” (NASB 2020)
I am glad I came to know Him at a young age. I have enjoyed the abundant life (John 10:10b) for most of my 83 years.
2. He came to the right place.
Our pastor Rev. Jimmy Kiker said, there are over 1000 cults listed on Google. He went on to compare this to what Jesus said in Matthew 7:13 13Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. 14For narrow is the gate, and strait is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they find it. He also references John 10:7-10 7Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All that came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door; by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture. 10The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy, I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 7Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All that came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door; by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture. 10The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and may have it abundantly. May I go on record to all? I know no other way to have eternal life except through this door, Jesus!!
3. He asks the right question.
What shall I do, that I may have eternal life? Not a better question could be asked, not more gravely. It was rare for one of his age and quality to appear so much in care about another world. The rich are apt to think it below them to make such an inquiry as this, and young people think I will make this decision later. 2
An appropriate question was asked in the Old Testament “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14) this ruler used different words, but I think his question was the same. I believe that all people have these thoughts. Solomon says, “He has also set eternity in their heart” Every human soul has a God-given awareness that there’s “something more” than this world.
Peter says,” All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withered, and the flower falls 1Peter 1:25) The book of James adds this, “What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanished away. “(James 4:14)
4. He refused the right answer
The only instance of someone declining to follow Jesus after a direct conversation with Him is this rich young man. Jesus sees the young man’s attachment to his possessions as a hindrance to Faith. He commands the man to rid himself of whatever prevents him from making a total commitment to the kingdom of heaven.
Zacchaeus’ willingness to give to the poor was proof that his conversion was genuine. It was the fruit, not the condition, of his salvation. (John MacArthur Luke 19:8)
Conclusion:
I don’t know anyone who has great wealth. Many have other things that they are holding on to that are keeping them from having enteral life. I fear that many of us Christians hold on to something that keeps us from the abundant life. What is keeping you from eternal life?
The Bible says in Romans 6:23 (23For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NASB 2020) If you do not know Christ, the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart right now. You may be asking how can I be saved; how can I have this eternal life?
The Bible says in Romans 10:9–10 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
You must acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, you sense it and know just believe it with your word, and God will hear and forgive your sins. You are making him Lord of your life.
When you do this, a miracle will occur. The next verse from Romans 9 says this
10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth, he confesses, resulting in salvation. (NASB 2020)
closes friend and your family. If they seem surprised, don’t let that discourage you. You see, they could be
You see, it happens in your heart first, then you must confess it with your mouth, and it will produce a result. YOUR SALVATION.
If you prayed and acknowledge Christ as your Lord, you need to share it with someone. Share it with your making the same mistake this young man made that we just read about. You also will need to find a good Bible Believing Church and share with the pastor about your recent decision. That Pastor and Church will help you grow and mature as a Christian and grow in your newfound Faith.
2 Matthew Henry Commentary
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Mt 19:21). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
