The Rich Young Ruler
“Come, and follow me”
A young man approached Jesus and the disciples. He was young, and well-dressed, obviously from a
wealthy family. He smiled as he approached them, addressing Christ respectfully.
“Good Master, what good do I need to do so that I may have eternal life?” he said, humbly but
cheerfully.
“Why do you call me good?” asked Jesus, amused by the young man. “The only one who is good is God.”
The young man’s smile faltered a little at being corrected, but he looked anxiously on to have his
question answered.
“If you want eternal life,” continued Jesus, “keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” answered the rich man, eager smile restored.
“Do not murder, do not commit adultery,” listed Jesus. “Do not steal, do not lie. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.”
“I have done all of these things since I was a child,” the young man said proudly. “What else do I need to do?”
Jesus looked hard at the young man, knowing the weight of what He was about to say to this happy
young man.
“If you want to be perfect,” He said slowly, “go and sell all that you have and give the money to the
poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come, and follow me.”
This time the smile completely fell from the man’s face. He was very rich. Without another word, the
young man turned sadly and left. Jesus turned to the disciples, dismayed by the youth’s choice.
“A rich man will hardly ever enter into the kingdom of heaven,” He said sorrowfully. “It is easier for a
camel to walk through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to walk through the door of the kingdom of God.”
“Who will enter then, if not the rich?” asked one of the disciples, disheartened.
“With men it is impossible,” said Jesus. “But with God, all things are possible.”
“We have given up everything and followed you,” said Peter. “What will we have?”
“You that have followed me will sit upon thrones with me in the resurrection,” said Jesus, smiling at His friend. “You will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that has given up houses, friends, or family for my sake will receive in return one hundred times their losses, and inherit eternal life.”