“AND 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.”
There is something about the story of this young man that touches our hearts for he seemed so nice a person in every way — particularly his respectful approach in kneeling to Jesus and every evidence that he was morally upright as well. But there was sad failure in him, in spite of these outward appearances.
First of all, he had certainly heard of the marvelous works and teaching of Jesus and we assume this was what attracted him. He wanted, apparently, to learn from Him, and to have assurances concerning eternal life. What he had heard, and perhaps had seen too, should have convinced him that Jesus was the very Son of God — the true Messiah of Israel. However, he does not approach Him in this manner, but as “Good Master” or, “Good Rabbi,” which merely meant that he saw in Jesus an outstanding teacher with unusual authority and thus worthy of respect. The Lord is not deceived by this approach and asks: “Why tallest thou Me good? There is none good but One, that is, God.” The Lord’s question did not mean that He was not good (for He was God in the Person of the Son) but pointed out to the young man that he was in error calling Him good if he only considered Him another rabbi, for among all men there is none that doeth good. If, on the other hand, he really considered Him good, then he should have owned Him as God.
Secondly, he does not ask, “What must I do to be saved?” but, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So he was really putting himself under the law — a place that could not be fully kept by anyone (except the Lord Jesus Himself) trusting, perhaps, that he was keeping enough of it to get him a safe place in eternity. It seems probable that when he questioned Jesus about it he was hoping he would learn of some particular part of the law to which he should give special attention in order to improve his standing before God.
If this self-righteous man had just come to the Lord and owned himself a sinner, we may be sure the Lord would have shown him the way of salvation, but as he had come on the ground of the law, the Lord replies to him in the same manner — bringing part of that law to his attention. “Master,” said he, “All these have I observed from my youth.” Ah yes, perhaps in his own mind this was so, but he was now in the presence of One who knew his heart better than he knew it himself, and had his conscience reached when he was told: “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.” (v. 21.) We then read: “He was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” (v. 22.)
When we understand the failure of this man to put himself on the proper ground and his failure to give Jesus His right place, and further see how he was attached to his riches, then we readily understand why he went away sorrowful. Let us search our hearts and be certain that similar errors are not keeping us from salvation! We are “not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:18, 1918Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18‑19).
ML-12/08/1963