The Rich Young Ruler

Portrait of The Rich Young Ruler

The Rich Young Ruler was a wealthy individual who approached Jesus inquiring about the requirements for obtaining eternal life. When Jesus instructed him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him, the man departed in sorrow due to his attachment to his riches. This encounter highlights the challenge of prioritizing spiritual devotion over material wealth, as Jesus remarked that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. The account serves as a cautionary lesson in the Gospels about the potential spiritual barriers posed by wealth and the call to wholehearted discipleship.

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Biography

Occupation
Ruler, Wealthy Landowner
Era
New Testament (c. AD 30)
Nationality
Jewish
New Testament New Testament Era Other Matthew

Did You Know?

1

Although commonly referred to as the rich young ruler, no single Gospel combines all three descriptors; Mark notes his wealth, Matthew his youth, and Luke his civic authority as an archon, likely a synagogue or municipal official in 1st-century Galilee or Judea.

2

The Greek verb stygnias as used in Mark 10:22 conveys not mere sadness but a shocked, gloomy astonishment, reflecting how Jesus' demand directly contradicted the widespread Jewish belief that material prosperity signified divine favor and covenant obedience.

3

By claiming to have observed all commandments since youth, the man invoked a standard of piety that even respected Pharisees viewed as nearly impossible, underscoring the radical nature of Jesus then identifying his unaddressed attachment to possessions as the decisive failure.

4

Jesus' call to liquidate assets and distribute them to the poor challenged Torah-based inheritance laws that tied land to tribal and family identity, effectively requiring the ruler to renounce both economic security and ancestral covenant status.

5

This pericope is unique in the Synoptics for pairing the full Decalogue recitation with an explicit invitation to follow Jesus, illustrating Mark's recurring motif that wealth functions as a spiritual barrier more insidious than overt transgression.

Key Passages

The Rich Young Ruler

Matthew 19:16-26

This passage shows how our attachments can keep us from fully following Jesus, yet God makes the impossible gift of eternal life possible.

A16nd, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Read full chapter: Matthew 19 โ†’

Account in Mark

Mark 10:17-27

This story shows that following Jesus calls for wholehearted surrender above all else, yet God's grace makes the impossible possible.

A17nd when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Read full chapter: Mark 10 โ†’

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