The Rich Young Ruler

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.