THE POOR MAN WHO HAD EARTHLY RICHES

It’s easy to misunderstand the account of Jesus and the rich young ruler. Some may think that Jesus expect all rich people to give away all their possessions before they can follow Him.

The question is, Is this account a general principle towards all rich people? This article, we’ll explore what Jesus was trying to deal with in the rich man’s life.

THE RICH MAN'S REQUEST

And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 18:18 ESV

A rich young man posed a serious question to Jesus. On the surface, it seems as if he was concerned about his future. However, his approach was rather telling of his heart disposition. He asked Jesus about inheriting eternal life based on what he believed he had already done.

In his approach the rich man addressed Jesus as good, seeing Jesus as just a great teacher. Nevertheless, Jesus rejected his empty flatter but gave him the truth of the state of all people (Romans 3:23).

It’s important to note that the righteous can be referred to as good but in this case Jesus was dealing with the rich man’s heart. Ultimately, no one is good except God who is holy.

THE SAVIOUR’S DIAGNOSIS 

You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” Luke 18:20 ESV

The second half of the ten commandments deals with how a person treat others. The rich young man probably thinks his good deeds are enough for him to inherit eternal life. However, what the rich man failed to understand is that the law is spiritual (Romans 7:14).

Jesus expounded this truth on the Sermon on the Mount that the law lay demands on the thoughts and intents of the heart (Matthew 5:28). Interestingly, the rich young ruler believes that he is perfectly obedient to the commandments of God and therefore deserves eternal life.

His self righteousness was astonishing. In his spiritual blindness, he believed that he had kept the law since his youth. Since, his confirmation of obedience to the law was just a simple affirmation from his lips. However, Jesus examined his heart to prove his falsehood and self righteousness.

THE RICH MAN’S PROBLEM 

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Luke 18:22 ESV

It was clear that the rich man lack one thing which was love for God (Exodus 20: 1-7, John 14:15). The command was specific to this man because Jesus was dealing with his heart condition. 

“The sin was invisible to the human eye. It did not show its colours on the surface of the ruler’s behaviour. But in all its filth and ugliness, covetousness ruled his soul” Walter Chantry, Today’s Gospel, page 33-34.

Interestingly, covetousness was the only law that Jesus omitted from the bottom half of the commandments which was the rich’s man problem (Exodus 20:17). The command by Jesus to the rich man was the tenth commandment in its spiritual fashion or application.

The rich man was called to denounce the god of money and lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19). However, he was unable to repent of his sin (Luke 18:24). 

In contrast, Zacchaeus who was a rich rogue, voluntarily gave up his wealth. He knew that he had nothing that qualifies him for heaven. He realised that he was spiritually bankrupt and needs the Saviour (Luke 19:1-10).

Hence, the heart of the Gospel is to deny oneself and follow Christ. To follow Him, is to love and trust Him with your whole life (Matthew 16:24-28).

In response to the rich man’s sorrow, Jesus teaches a fundamental truth about the difficulties of those with earthly riches (Luke 18:23).

There’s a likelihood for them to trust in their wealth, therefore find it difficult to follow Christ. (Luke 18:25). However, there are many who are rich but also saved.

Importantly, It’s not binding on all Christians to sell their possessions and give to the poor. But Christians are required to give sacrificially which is an evidence of a transformed heart (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

THE SAVIOURS POWER AND PROMISE 

Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:26-27 ESV

The scale of human depravity can only be overcome by the mighty power of God. It is only God that can change the heart of a rich person to love Christ. The grace of God extends to all whether rich or poor (Ephesians 2:8-9).

And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:29 ESV

The spiritually poor man walked away from eternal riches. But Jesus commended those who left earthly riches for his sake. Peter and others left every thing behind to follow Jesus (Luke 5:10-11). The great promise is that followers of Christ will receive abundance of riches in the future.

Those who are truly rich are the ones who are aware of their spiritual poverty. In addition, they are blessed because they have been transformed by the Spirit of God. Lastly, they are meek in their attitude because they trust God for their future inheritance (Matthew 5:3-12).