Basic HTML Version
The Rich Young Ruler Lacked One Thing
This chapter is based on Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke
18:18-23.
“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?’”
This young man, a ruler, had many possessions and a position
of responsibility. He saw the love that Christ showed toward the
children, and his heart burned with love for the Savior. He was
so deeply moved that He ran after Christ and, kneeling at His feet,
asked sincerely and earnestly the question so important to his life
and to every human being.
“Why do you call Me good?” said Christ. “No one is good but
One, that is, God.” Jesus wanted to draw from him in what way he
regarded Him as good. Did he realize that the One to whom he was
speaking was the Son of God? What was the true feeling of his
heart?
This ruler had a high opinion of his own righteousness, yet he
felt the lack of something he did not possess. Could Jesus bless him
and satisfy his heart’s craving?
In reply, Jesus told him that obedience to the commandments of
God was necessary if he wanted to obtain eternal life. The ruler’s
answer was positive: “All these things I have kept from my youth.
What do I still lack?”
Christ looked into the face of the young man as if reading his
life and searching his character. He loved him and hungered to give
him peace and joy. “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.”
Christ was drawn to this young man. The Redeemer longed
to create in him the power to see the necessity of heart devotion.
312