The Mistakes Of The Rich Young Ruler.

The Mistakes of the Rich Young Ruler

Matthew 19:16-19:22

In the three and a half years of Christ's earthly ministry, He held thousands of conversations and counseled perhaps many hundreds of people. The Gospels record only a portion of those exchanges, indicating that those dialogues chosen for inclusion in the Bible are of particular importance to us, and we should pay close attention to the lessons there for us.

In this world of sin it is easy to get our values distorted . Property, money, material possessions, or a large bank account seem to give us security, but it is all a dream. We came into this world with nothing and it is certain we will go out with no material possessions. Jesus has promised us eternal life if only we believe on Him and determine to dedicate our lives to Him. So many are bartering away eternity because they consider this world more important, their values are all mixed up. The rich young ruler who came to Jesus had this problem.

As Jesus looked at this young man, he saw in him such promise and such potential. And we are told that as Jesus beheld him, He loved him. And, yet, the story ends in tragedy.

Matthew, Mark and Luke all say that he went away sorrowful. He came to Jesus with a question and went back sad because he did not like the answer.

We find this story in Matthew 19:16 -30; Mark 10:17-30 and in Luke 18:18-30. Now how did we get the term "Rich Young Ruler?"

The word translated "ruler" in Luke 18: 18-30 is Greek archon, "generally, one who has administrative authority, 'leader, official.' " It is used of various Jewish leaders, including those in charge of a synagogue and members of the Sanhedrin.

Matthew's account (19:22) adds another detail and refers to the ruler as a "young man," Greek neaniskos, "a relatively young man, 'youth, young man' (from about the 24th to the 40th year)." Luke 18:23 tells us "he was a man of great wealth." "Wealth" is Greek plousios, "pertaining to having an abundance of earthly possessions that exceeds normal experience, 'rich, wealthy.' " The adjective "great" translates Greek sphodra, "a very high point on a scale of extent, 'very (much), extremely, greatly.' "

That's why we call him “The Rich Young Ruler”.

He was a wealthy man, and a young man. His eyes were set on religious matters - on teachers, eternal life, good deeds. He had the look of a seeker: he seemed willing to listen and eager to learn. He seemed a disciple-in-the-making. But his story has a dark end. It was he that inspired Jesus famous words "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom." Matthew was there to watch the unfolding of this man’s confrontation with Christ. Let us examine his account of the fateful meeting.

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life.? Mark tell us that he ran to Jesus and fell at His feet and asked "What must a person do in order to enter into eternal life?" How would you answer this? Those who know the gospel message would answer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will have eternal life." Such an answer is based on many passages such as the following:

John 3:15-16; John 5:24; John 6:35; John 6:47; John 11:25-26; John 20:31; Acts 16:31.

Also "inheriting eternal life" was a common idea in the New Testament in the time of Jesus. - see Luke 10:25 - The parable of the Good Samaritan.

And this young man in his fine robes, immaculately groomed, came running to Jesus and he is found kneeling in the dirt of the roadside at the edge of town, with a burning question on his heart.

Most of the wealthy, religious people who asked Jesus questions in public were trying to trick him into some imprudent statement -- "Should we pay taxes to Caesar?" (Luke 20:22). "Why do your disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath?" (Luke 6:2). "This lady was caught in the very act of adultery. Shouldn't we stone her as Moses directed?" (John 8:4). But this man's question was no trick. It was a sincere question to which he needed to know the answer -- how to inherit eternal life.

This young man came, not to tempt Christ, but to learn from him. We know that he was not a Sadducee because it is clear that he believed in eternal life and wanted to attain it—an unusual goal for someone of his position and age. Sadducees do not believe in the life after death. A man of wealth will often trust his riches and not be interested in what God has to offer. The young do not often look beyond today, much less to the far reaches of eternity.