Little children and their parents, alike eager to tome to Jesus, had been almost scared away by ie roughness of the disciples. Now came one whom Jesus himself scared away by the austerity of his demands. The children, who could not be harmed by their exalted privilege, received matchless blessing. The high status of the ruler’s wealth and religious standing was brought low in order that the blessing might be his also.
“Behold!” Matthew begins, as who should say: “Here is a story worth telling!’
The newcomer was young (Matthew) and yet already a ruler (Luke) that is (see John 3:1), a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin—not merely a ruler of the synagogue or this would have been specified. This fact immediately speaks volumes concerning him. For a young man to be elected to such an assembly of well-qualified men, he must be of outstanding ability and exceptional character. And certainly his character was altogether exceptional, for he was prepared to demean himself to seek counsel and directive from Jesus of Nazareth, and to show his eagerness for the Teacher’s help by running to overtake him just as he was setting out on the next stage of his journey (Mark).
To continue reading this Bible article, click here.
Author: Harry Whittaker
Keywords: ruler, rich young ruler, young ruler, easier for a camel, camel needle, eye of a needle, rich man, riches, wealth
Bible reference(s): Matt. 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30
Source: Studies in the Gospels.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.