| The rich young ruler |
| church of Christ |
| Matt. 19:16-23, Mark 10: 17-22, Luke 18:18-30 |
| TA Baisden |
| This story that is written in the New Testament of the Bible appears in only three of the Books. |
| What does this story tell us? That the person in this story was a young man and he was able to run and kneel which meant that he was blessed with health. He could speak and he could reason right and wrong so his mind was good. He recognized Christ as some one with religious authority for he asked him "what should he do to have eternity life?". He also called Jesus "Master". He said that he had been obedient and moral from a boy. He was also richly blessed with earthly possessions. He obviously believed in God, for he wanted eternal life. He had everything that this world could offer but our Lord told him he lacked one thing that was for him to rid himself of all his earthly treasures in exchange for a Treasure that none of these things could compare too, for it was there for the taking if he chose to forsake all and follow him(Jesus). Was he willing to give all he had for the most valuable treasure offer upon earth to mankind? The Bible tells us in just a few moments this young man made the most important decision of his life. Was it his soul or the comforts that he all ready had. Unfortunately for him he put a higher price tag on his physcial existence and a defect ticket on his soul. Maybe he was use to acquiring things he wanted easily, with out any or very little effort or inconvenience to himself. Everyone knows money can buy many comforts in this life, but it can also cause much heartache and pain, here as well in the hereafter for people. The Bible doesn't tell us it is a sin to be rich or comfortable in this life, but many as this young man allows the "things" they have to be their god and ruler over them. It rules every aspect of their life,it sets their goals, they sleep, eat and drink it. It take a higher place then their spouse, their children, family, friends, their ethics, their honor, even their heart but most of all GOD. The word of God tells us if we have the means we must not horde it, for none can take it with them when they l eave this world. We are to help when and who we can but especially our Brothers and Sister in Christ if they have a need. The Bible does not record if any comments or verbal response was given from the young ruler in answer to Christ question. But a picture says a thousand words and his look of sorrow said it all. It also tells us he went away without a change of heart. If you were told today what this young ruler was "What tag would you chose?" Think about it, won't you! Remember the biggest majority of people on earth regard earthly things to be the most important things in their lives not the spiritual things of life. But the one who is willing to give up that which is necessary for Christ and his Gospel will have gained heaven, all others will have gained nothing but hell. For worldly things might be hard to give up but well worth the effort. One must remember it is only for a little while, for we are like vapor, that how fast our life goes away on earth. Compare for yourself: A little denial in this life or an eternity with out GOD. Remember you have the same choices as the young ruler had. Notes: 1. In all three Books he calls Jesus, good and Master. 2. In one book only does it say Jesus loved him. Mark 10:12 3. In Matt. 19:19 it adds one more commandment then it gives in the other two books."Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself". 4. In Luke it tells us he as well as the disciples heard Christ's saying about the camel, needle and the rich man. The other two books don't. |