Mystery: Embracing the Truth of the GospelSample

Although the young man in today’s reading ultimately made the wrong choice, we can learn a lot from the way he approached and interacted with Jesus.

First, he was concerned with spiritual matters. A rich man, he could have chosen to distract himself with everything money could buy, lived for the moment, and left his future to chance, but he didn’t. Instead, he had been doing what he could to ease his restless soul by keeping the Ten Commandments. It wasn’t enough, of course, but it was a good start in the right direction.

Second, he went to the Truth Himself to discover the truth. Instead of relying on second-hand sources, he went to the only One who knew the law, kept it perfectly, and actually fulfilled it for his information.

Third, he asked good questions. Discontent to be spoon-fed what others thought he needed to know, this young man asked Jesus hard questions, the kind he might not have wanted to know the answer to but needed to ask for his own good.

Fourth, he listened to Jesus and took Him at His Word. When this young man’s encounter with Jesus took place, Jesus hadn’t died on the cross or risen from the dead yet, so Jesus didn’t tell the Gospel story the way you’ve heard it. However, being God, Jesusdid have the ability to forgive sin (Matthew 9:1) and promise eternal life to those who put their faith in Him through surrender and obedience (Luke 23:43). The rich young ruler chose not to take the way of salvation Jesus offered him, but he didn’t argue with Jesus or doubt His word. He simply chose not to comply.

Fifth, he was honest with himself and Jesus about his own limitations. Although he overestimated his own ability to keep God’s commands, he knew he fell short of what God required and came to Jesus just as he was to ask for help.

In the end, the rich young ruler chose self-reliance and temporary comfort over eternal life.

What will you choose?