A Rich Young Ruler

The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19.16‑30, Mark 10.17‑31, Luke 18.18‑30) is one of the failures of the New Testament. Those who comment on the story find a lot against him. It does not help that he was affluent and privileged. Jesus said, "Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation" (Luke 6.24) as contrasted to those who are poor, hungry or weeping, and would be blessed. Later on, Jesus' half-brother James had some hard things to say against the rich (James 1.9‑11, 5.1‑6).

This young man, when he first spoke with Jesus and called him 'Good Teacher', seemed to be rebuked for using the word good to refer to anyone but God. Was he perhaps too free in giving out compliments, and pleasing his listeners by praising them without much discrimination?

One commentator describes this man as 'over-pious'. He made the easy claim that he had always kept the commandments. Was he one of those who are so busy keeping the rules that they miss out on sympathy and understanding for others? Someone describes him as 'bumptious' - assertively conceited, too pleased with himself. "Oh, the commandments. Yes, I've kept all those."

The crowning failure was that when he was offered the golden opportunity to become one of Jesus' circle of disciples, he failed to take it. He rejected Jesus. He was one of those whose lives were full of the cares of this world and the lure of wealth. How disappointing that so promising a young man should miss out on a great opportunity.

So much may be said against this young man. In his favour it must be said that when Jesus looked keenly full into his eyes, Jesus loved him. What did Jesus see in him?

First, enthusiasm. When Jesus and his disciples were just setting out, this young fellow had come running, so as not to miss Jesus. He bowed down before Jesus to give him due honour and respect. He recognised that Jesus was truly good - he may have heard Jesus teach, or witnessed a miracle - and (theology apart) recognised that He was no ordinary person, and a cut above all the other rabbis.

Though he was well brought up in the Jewish faith and enjoyed God-given prosperity, he could see there was something more in life that he was missing. He desired eternal life. Was there some great thing he could do to earn it?

And when questioned, had he kept the commandments, he could answer yes with a clear conscience. With bright eyes he looked at Jesus. Of course he had kept them, he knew his duty. And it was a joy to be faithful to the God of his fathers. He may have been a little naive, perhaps - it is not the way of young people to look too closely at their own actions or motives. But the enthusiasm, the keenness, the straightforward zeal to do what it takes to be acceptable to God, was all there. Looking at him, Jesus loved him.

What was Jesus expecting this young man to do when He made his offer, "You want to be perfect? Well, sell your possessions, give to the poor, come and be a disciple with me. You will have riches where it counts, in heaven." Was it a genuine offer, or a test? We can hardly imagine it was not a genuine offer. Jesus would not ask of him something that was impossible, Jesus loved this young man, and he was obviously good disciple material. "Come and join me!" But it was also a test, which the young man failed, and was sad. In failing it he learned a lot. He learned his own limitations. He learned that eternal life is not something you can earn by good deeds. He learned that to follow Jesus in consecrated living is a supremely serious matter.

We do not know what happened afterwards. This young fellow had lost the chance of a great vocation (though the terms and conditions of that vocation would change at Calvary). Did he afterwards, by God's grace, have other opportunities? Did he realise that to have riches is a responsibility, and they can be used rightly? Did the call by Jesus, that he had been unable to respond to, remain in his mind, influencing his future life, and waiting to be answered in a new way?

We are told in scripture of a rich man who did sell his possessions and come and join the Christian community. His name was Barnabas, and some have speculated that this was the same person as the rich young ruler, obeying the call belatedly. Be that as it may (and it is only speculation) the young man would never forget what he saw in Jesus' eyes when he looked at him, and loved him.

This is something to remember if we ourselves are aware of having failed, or we know someone who has failed. There is no limit to Jesus' love, and eternal life is in His gift.