Young Ruler Rich:
Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10.17-27)
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”
20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
With God All Things Are Possible
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 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.”
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
What a sad, sad story
Meet Rich, a wealthy young ruler, who seeks out Jesus and asks Him the most important question of his life. [Please read the above “transcript” from Mark 10.]
This may be the saddest story in the New Testament. Here was a young man who had everything. All the things most of our young people today desire and lust after: position, power, wealth, health, religion, parents who love him, morals, and integrity.
Except…
Eternal life. I’d say that’s a big “something” to be missing. Yet, Rich left sad. He thought Jesus’ terms were just too much for him – he would not give up his “stuff.” Isn’t it ironic that in all truth, following Jesus would have given him so much more.
Lessons to Take-away!
- The story begins with great Hope. And, hope has the potential to change everything.
- Always go to the correct Source when seeking advice, wisdom, or eternal life.
- When seeking counsel, don’t go with your own pre-determined answers.
- When seeking counsel, go with ears to hear and a heart to receive.
- Jesus did not give Rich “a pass” – just because he was who he was. Jesus told him the only Answer He knew.
- Let all of our counsel (when others come to us) line up with The Word – no soft-soaping anything. The Word works and let Holy Spirit do the rest.
- Even those we LOVE, deserve the Truth of The Word. Don’t skinny down The Truth for anyone.
Rich, the rich young ruler, who left with great sadness.
Great post, Susan!
I know the bible doesn’t tell us, but I’ve always hoped that later he made things right with God.
You’re so right, everyone deserves to hear the Truth of the Word.
It doesn’t tell us and I certainly hope so too!
Yes, I always though this was so sad, too. But someone pointed out the it says Jesus loved him. And we wondered if some time in the future he actually came back to Jesus. But the scripture do not give us that info. There is that possibility and the whole story really shows us how we should choose what is most important. I wish people could see that when we surrender everything to Jesus, He gives us so much more. Thanks for sharing this lesson, dear Susan. Blessings to you! xo I’m your neighbor at #TellHisStory this week.
Yes, Jesus loved him. Jesus loves every person; unfortunately, not everyone loves Him! Choices. Free will. Hard but true.
Yes, such sadness, as we feel the weight of those who reject Him. Our prayers just keep lifting them up, even as we let them go into God’s hands. Love and hugs to you dear sister!
We place them in Father’s hands. Amen.
Susan, I love how you say, ” …hope has the potential to change everything!” It does! 🙂 That’s so beautiful.
We’d probably all love to be rich. But with riches comes great responsibility and many burdens. Thank you for these reminders.
Pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Hope is the anchor of my life!
It is a sad story! I love this take away: “The story begins with great Hope. And, hope has the potential to change everything.”
XO
Absolute truth, Tam’…
I love this post. Very organized, no-nonsense, and so full of truth. Thank you!
Suzette, I think this may be your first time here – I am one of those ‘no-nonsense’ writers of Truth. Nothing contemplative or ethereal about me!!! Thanks for coming by.
This story has always made me sad, too. Perhaps because I don’t want to question what MY answer would be–would I give everyone up? I would hope so–but in order to give everything up in the moment, we need to practice sacrificial living all the time.
Anita, so true. I never like thinking I wouldn’t do such and such. But for the grace of God – you know the rest.
xo
Wonderful post, Susan! And it does have a sad, but educational, ending. we can learn from this story how NOT to be like Rich.
There are always those “don’t learn this” lessons! Thanks, Laurie.
I’ve always hoped that since this story is left rather open-ended that Rich did wind up doing as Jesus told him to. Great post, and great lessons to draw from the story!
Kym, I sure hope so too. Heaven will reveal, won’t it?