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“The Rich Young Ruler: Loving Less Than all the Way”
Categories: Bulletin Articles, Clay Gentry
We often focus on the rich young ruler’s inability to let go of his possessions in Luke 18:18-23 (cf. Mat 19:16-26; Mrk 10:17-27). However, a closer look reveals a subtler yet equally profound spiritual flaw that is a universal struggle for all Christians, regardless of their wealth.
The Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus with a question: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 18). In reply, Jesus states, “You know the commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witnesses, honor your father and mother’” (v. 20).
“All these I have kept from my youth,” the Rich Young Ruler confidently declared. Indeed, he had mastered the art of “do no harm.” He hadn’t betrayed, murdered, stolen from, or lied to his neighbor, nor had he dishonored his parents.
However, Jesus’ response in v. 22 reveals the crucial missing piece: “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.” This isn’t just a test of wealth; it’s a test of love in its fullest expression. It seeks to do good for one’s neighbor.
Jesus taught an amplified version of “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:25-37), when He said, “So whatever you wish others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Mat 7:12).
The Rich Young Ruler had grasped the negative aspect of loving his neighbor: avoiding actions that would cause them harm. He had established a baseline of ethical behavior. But Jesus challenged him to embrace the positive aspect: actively seeking the good of others, even at personal cost. “But when he heard these things, he became very sad,” Luke records, “for he was extremely rich” (v. 23).
While the Rich Young Ruler avoided betraying his neighbors, he didn’t invest in their well-being. He refrained from murder, yet didn’t actively support them in their struggles. Stealing was not in his nature, but neither was sharing when they were in need. He wouldn’t bear false witness, but offering an encouraging word wasn’t his practice. Dishonoring them was out of the question, but elevating them was not on his agenda. (In the same way: The rich man in Luke 16:19-31 didn’t do poor Lazarus any harm, but he didn’t do him any good either, and for that he was consigned to torment.).
The love Jesus demands isn’t a passive, “What must I not do?” but a proactive “What can I do?”
The account of the Rich Young Ruler challenges us to examine our hearts, considering this active love. A faith solely defined by the absence of evil deeds reveals a heart that has loved less than halfway. May we be moved beyond this limited expression, cultivating a love that actively builds up, serves, and blesses those around us, reflecting the fullness of Jesus’ own heart for humanity.
