Introduction
The man who knelt before Jesus seemed to have everything the world says brings happiness—he was young (Matthew), rich (Mark), and powerful (Luke). His story appears in three Gospels, underscoring its importance.
Background
In those days, wealth and power at a young age typically meant inheritance, which adds depth to his question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Malady
Despite having what most people chase—youth, wealth, and influence—he still sensed something missing. He was searching for something money and power couldn’t provide: a solution to death, a meaning that extends beyond this life. His longing reflects a deeper truth that applies to all of us.
As Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, God has set eternity in the human heart. We’re wired to crave something lasting, something beyond the temporary pleasures of this world. That inner hunger—the recognition that even the best of life eventually fades—is what led this man to fall at Jesus’ feet.
Pharisees & Sadducees
Unlike the Pharisees and Sadducees who sought to trap Jesus with their questions, the rich young ruler was sincere. He wasn’t testing Jesus—he truly wanted to know how to inherit eternal life. Like many of us, he assumed the answer lay in doing enough good. He even addressed Jesus as “Good Teacher,” recognizing his moral authority.
But Jesus challenged the flattery: “Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone.” (Mark 10:18) In saying this, Jesus wasn’t denying his divinity, but confronting the man’s assumptions about goodness.
Fact of Scripture
According to Scripture, no one is truly good (Romans 3:10; Isaiah 64:6). To call Jesus good is an acknowledgement that He is God.
Law
Still, the young man wasn’t yet seeking God’s grace—he was looking for one more achievement to secure eternal life. He asked, “What must I do?” But inheritance doesn’t work that way. You can’t earn it—it’s received through a relationship, and usually, through someone’s death. This man likely understood inheritance from personal experience, yet still believed eternal life was something he could earn.
So, Jesus answered with the Law: “Do not murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, defraud, or dishonor your parents.” The young man claimed he had kept all these from youth. But his confidence showed that he didn’t understand the deeper spiritual meaning behind the commandments—anger is murder, lust is adultery, and so on. Sin lives in every heart, even if our hands seem clean.
Gospel
Yet Jesus didn’t respond with harsh judgment. Mark tells us, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” That love led Jesus to diagnose the root problem: “One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have, give to the poor, and follow me.” The issue wasn’t just wealth—it was idolatry. The man trusted his riches more than he trusted God. He had broken the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods” (Exodus 20:3).
Martin Luther explained that whatever we fear, love, or trust more than God is our idol. Often, idols aren’t physical objects—they’re invisible attachments in our hearts: money, youth, health, power, convenience. Anxiety, in many ways, reveals the idols we serve. When they fail us—and they always do—we blame ourselves, not the idols.
Gospel
Jesus loved the young man and wanted to give him what he truly lacked—not more law, not less wealth, but faith. What blocked him from receiving Jesus’ gift was his unwillingness to let go of what he trusted most.
Reflection
Jesus wasn’t saying he could earn salvation by selling everything. He was exposing the man’s false god and calling him to repentance so that he could truly follow.
And that’s the key: “Follow me.” The invitation wasn’t about doing more but trusting Jesus completely. Sadly, the young man went away grieving. We’re not told what he did next, and perhaps that’s intentional. His story now invites us to step into his shoes and ask: What would I do? What’s holding me back?
The message is not that money is evil or that rich people can’t be saved. The point is that no one—no matter how privileged or moral—can earn eternal life. The real obstacle wasn’t wealth, but the belief that he could save himself.
Gospel
The good news is that Jesus has already done everything necessary to save us. Eternal life is an inheritance—a gift, not a reward. And God made us his heirs in baptism (Romans 8:17). Jesus invites us to follow him—not by rule-keeping or good works—but by faith.
Application
To follow Jesus is to trust that He has fulfilled the law, borne our punishment, and opened the way to eternal life.
So, if something in your life is standing in the way of Jesus—whatever that idol may be—let it go. Nothing is worth clinging to if it keeps you from receiving what Jesus died to give you.
Conclusion
Compared to the treasure of heaven, no idol is worth serving. Don’t just take my word for it—ask that rich young man. Or better yet, ask Jesus—and follow him to life.
Amen