As Jesus made His way to Jerusalem in the final days before the cross, a young, rich ruler approached Him. A rich man was not the kind of person who was typically drawn to Jesus. The Son of God was usually surrounded by those considered to be outcasts, unclean, sick, and desperate. But this young ruler knelt before Jesus, possibly getting dirt on his expensive robes, and asked, “‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life (Matthew 19:16)?’”
Why would a rich, young ruler ask this sort of question? Was he disenchanted with wealth and success and seeking something more in life? Was he hoping to impress Jesus with his good deeds?
Jesus’s response to the young man is not just a message for the rich. The story serves as a litmus test for every believer’s heart toward finances and what we treasure most in life.
The Rich Ruler’s Heart Test
There is a major problem with the ruler’s question. By asking what “good thing” he must do to obtain eternal life, he assumed salvation depended on his actions. The Bible does not say how the man became rich, but some scholars believe he was a Pharisee or a Jewish religious leader—someone who would have known and studied the Scriptures. This young ruler had apparently forgotten some key passages.
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.” -Psalm 40:6
“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.” -Psalm 51:16
And though the man called Jesus “Teacher,” he apparently did not hear what Jesus said earlier in His ministry:
“‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” -Matthew 9:12-13
What God has always desired from people are hearts that are fully devoted to Him. Good deeds are evidence that a heart belongs to God, but they do not cement a relationship with the Lord.
Jesus could see that the rich, young ruler’s heart was not fully committed to God. So, He tested the man.
“‘Why do you ask me about what is good?‘ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.’
“‘Which ones?’ he inquired.
“Jesus replied, ‘“You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,” and “love your neighbor as yourself.”’” -Matthew 19:17-19
Jesus referenced the Ten Commandments, and the rich man said he had kept all of them since his youth. But Jesus didn’t list all of the commandments; He left out the first half of the list. R. C. Sproul once speculated that Jesus knew the man’s heart and wanted to reveal to him that he had not indeed kept all of the commandments—namely, he had put another god before the God of Heaven.
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” -Matthew 19:21
At that, the rich ruler walked away sorrowful, betraying the true god of his heart—his wealth.
“The rich young ruler kept his money and lost the kingdom. It was the worst transaction he ever made. His value system was absurd. We should be able to give everything we have and do anything we can if it means inheriting the kingdom of God.” -R. C. Sproul
Your Own Heart Test
Money is not inherently bad, but it can become bad if it replaces devotion to God.
“‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.’” -Matthew 6:24
Just as you were purchased by Christ and are not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), your money does not belong to you. God gave you finances to steward for His Kingdom purposes.
That doesn’t mean you have to sell all of your possessions to follow Jesus, but if He did ask you to do that, how badly would it hurt? How intensely you feel sorrow at the thought of losing money may reveal how much devotion you have given to it.
How can you make sure money isn’t ruling your heart and avoid making the “worst transaction” ever? A great way to begin is by asking God how He wants you to steward your finances. He may bring people or causes to mind that would benefit from your financial support.
For instance, of the $1.3 trillion believers give to Christian causes, only 6% goes toward general missions. Of that 6%, less than 2% goes toward reaching unreached people groups. With more than 3 billion people worldwide who are unreached with the gospel, there is a great need to support efforts to reach them.
You do not have to have great wealth to fall into the same trap as the rich, young ruler. This story was not only preserved as a warning against idolizing money; it is a gift to help you align your heart to the only thing worth giving all of your devotion.
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For billions of people, the light of the gospel is out of reach. You can help change that. Your gift to East-West can help mobilize, evangelize, equip, and multiply disciples and churches among the unreached.
