The Rich Young Ruler
December 29, 2022
Commentary
This story of the rich young ruler reveals how, in spite of the fact that he came to the right Person, asked the right question, and received the right answer, he made the wrong decision. Something always stands in the way of a person coming to Christ. It may be pride, position, family, friends, a particular sin or even wealth. In this man’s case it was money (vv. 18-23). His wealth made his life comfortable and gave him power and prestige. When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned, He was touching the very area of his life that was dearest to him (v. 24).
It is not the possessing of riches that keeps people out of heaven. Abraham, David and Solomon were wealthy men. Instead it is being possessed by riches that makes it difficult for the wealthy to be saved. Wealth often gives a person a sense of false security and he feels no need for God. Jesus surprised His hearers by offering salvation to some of the poor. It is a difficult thing for a self-sufficient person to realize his or her need and come to Jesus, but the things which are impossible with men are possible with God (vv. 25-27).
Jesus surprised some of His hearers by offering salvation to the poor. It may surprise some people today by offering it to the rich. The rich young man in this story was possessed by the love of money and he would not let go. He wanted salvation on his terms and not God’s, so he went away in great sorrow. This should be a warning to people who want a salvation that does not change their values or their lifestyle.
Application
Is there anything in my life that is keeping me from coming to the Lord or in serving Him? I need to be reminded constantly that everything I own belongs to Him.
Luke 18:18– 27 (NET)
18 Now a certain leader asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’” 21 The man replied, “I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 23 But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was extremely wealthy. 24 When Jesus noticed this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 He replied, “What is impossible for mere humans is possible for God.”
Illustration: Drunk Looking For His Wallet under a Streetlight
Did you hear about the drunk who was down on all fours late one night under a street light? He was groping around on the ground, feeling the cement, peering intently at the little cracks. A close friend drove up and asked, “Sam, what are you doing there?” Sam answered, “I lost my wallet.” So the friend got out of his car, walked over, got down on his hands and knees with him and they both started looking. Neither of them could find it. Finally the friend said to his drunk buddy: Are you sure you lost the wallet here?” “Of course not! I dropped it a half a block away.” “Then why are we looking here?” “Because there’s no streetlight over there.” (Billy Graham, How to be Born Again).