The Errors of the Rich Young Ruler

The Errors of the Rich Young Ruler

1. According to Matthew 19:22, Mark 10:22, and Luke 18:23, he was rich.

2. According to Matthew 19:22, he was young

3. According to Luke 18:18, he was a ruler

WHAT HE WAS RIGHT ABOUT:

A. He was correct knowing that he didn’t have eternal life on his own

B. He went to the right Person who gives eternal life (Jesus Christ)

HIS ERRORS WERE THE FOLLOWING:

1. He considered Jesus to be just a good teacher. Jesus told him, “No one is good but God,” hinting that Jesus himself is God!

2. He believed he could do something (work) to inherit eternal life. He believed he could accomplish something to impress God in order to get eternal life. With that attitude, no one will ever understand grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

3. The young man believed he had been keeping the Law of Moses from his “youth up.” A thought here: If he had been keeping the law, he would have assumed he already had eternal life. His lack of assurance is evident that he was lost.

4. He had been breaking the 10th Commandment (“Thou shalt not covet”). He didn’t want to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, as Jesus had instructed him to do. After all, he had asked, “What must I do…?” Following Jesus’ instructions would have been evidence of having eternal life, not the means of it.

5. He walked away surprised and very sad at Jesus’ words, the very One who “loved him” and was willing to give him eternal life. It is obvious that his wealth, youthfulness, and authority didn’t bring joy to his soul. Otherwise, he would have walked away still happy with what he had.

Can you identify with that person? Or, do you know someone who does? Jesus is the Source of eternal life and joy. It is no sin to be rich, young, and in a position of authority. Refusing to trust Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose from the dead is the worst sin of all. Read John 8:24. Jesus is Savior and Lord to all who put their trust in Him. ✝️

Blessings!