A certain ruler came to Jesus with a question that every thoughtful person has entertained at one time or another. “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18). From his question at least two things are evident. First, he believed unquestionably that eternal life was real and, secondly, he did not believe he had it. From the text it seems that he had everything but eternal life. He was a “ruler” and later in the narrative we are told that “he was very rich” (Luke 18:23). We should also note that Christ did not discourage him from his question, thus, commending the consideration.
Our Lord pointedly responded to him laying the groundwork for more discussion. “Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is God” (Luke 18:19). It is important to note Christ did not deny that He was good, as the ruler had stated. Rather, Jesus intended his probe to spur this man’s understanding of both Jesus’ claim to be God (for he did make that claim) and the fact that he (the ruler) was not good. (It is evident that the ruler thought he was indeed good as we shall see.)
In the context of this matter of who is or isn’t good, Jesus set forth five of the ten commandments that relate to our dealing with our fellow man. “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother” (Luke18:20). The ruler’s response was amazing given that Christ had just reminded him that there is none good. He answered, “All these have I kept from my youth up,” a remarkable claim! Yet I imagine there are many likewise today that blindly claim they have not fallen short in fulfilling any of these commands. James, the Lord’s half-brother, reminded us that “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).
Jesus then turned the ruler’s attention to an area not addressed previously when he listed the commandments, his covetousness. “Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he [the ruler] heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich” (Luke 18:22-23). Paul confirmed to the believers in Colosse that “covetousness…is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). Idolatry is anything that comes between us and loving God as we ought. In this respect this ruler’s wealth had become an idol to him for it kept him from coming to God.
Our Lord does not expect us to sell all our belongings in order to follow him. Christ used this challenge to clearly manifest a condition in this man’s heart; he thought more of his wealth than of God. Jesus concluded “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24). The warning is not that wealth keeps one from heaven, but rather a love of wealth that closes heaven’s door. Paul wrote “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Timothy 6:10; emphasis added).
Reflecting on the ruler’s question, are you convinced that there is none good, except God, including yourself? We must begin there in order to come to Christ for he said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32).
From the Chaplain 