The Rich Young Ruler Almost

Twice in the gospels, Jesus encounters leaders of the Jewish religion who seek Him out one-on-one. Nicodemus, a leading Pharisee, came to Jesus secretly and—as his later actions attest—became a believer.

The person described in Mark 10:17–22 (as well as in Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts) as a “rich young ruler” was more than just that. He was a leader in his worship community, a position of honor and privilege earned, in part, by virtue of his wealth. Among the people of that time, having wealth was viewed as a sign of God’s favor.

We don’t know about this young man’s various talents, but we do know that he understood at least the basics of the faith, because when Jesus challenged him about commandment-keeping, the wealthy man replied, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth” (Mark 10:20). Like so many people today, the rich young ruler sincerely believed his own good works were enough to earn a spot in heaven.

Though sincere, the young ruler was sincerely wrong!

Jesus knew his heart, just as He knows the heart of each of us. The rich young ruler may have outwardly observed the commandments, but inwardly he was guilty of a great sin: idolatry. He idolized his wealth and its trappings. When told to forsake those and to follow Jesus as a disciple, the young ruler “was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (v. 22).

Seeing this, Jesus’ disciples heard the Master say it was hard for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom. He declared, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (v. 25).

This inflexion point—where wealth and self-regard confront God’s calling— is where the Holy Spirit must step in. It’s why Jesus said such a conversion was impossible for man, but not for God, with Whom “all things are possible.”

The rich young ruler could have found eternal life if he was willing to take himself off the throne of his heart and allow Christ to reign. Perhaps he later did, but we won’t know this side of heaven.

Reflect: Wealth and self-love blocked this rich young ruler from following Jesus. Is there something holding you back from following Him today?

Key Bible Texts

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27 KJV)