Did the Rich Young Ruler hear the Gospel According to Jesus? -- By: Hal M. Haller

Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 13:2 (Autumn 2000)
Article: Did the Rich Young Ruler hear the Gospel According to Jesus?
Author: Hal M. Haller


Did the Rich Young Ruler hear the Gospel According to Jesus?

Hal M. Haller

Lithonia, Georgia

The gospel according to Jesus has been a hot topic since the first century (cf. Gal 1:6–9). A book by that name was published a decade ago. Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler was used prominently by the author in defense of his thesis that to be saved one must yield everything to the Lord Jesus.

Did the rich young ruler (RYR) hear the gospel according to Jesus? Did he hear the “good news” of the gospel, or did he receive nothing but “bad news”? Did he hear the message of grace, or did Jesus minister the law to him so that he might be prepared to receive the message of grace at a future date?

This article will also explore two alternative interpretations: that Jesus was merely demanding proof from the young man that he was truly saved,1 or that Jesus showed the RYR that he fell short of God’s standard and that He showed the disciples that sacrificial discipleship results in eternal rewards.2

This presentation is based primarily on parallel accounts in the Synoptic Gospels of a certain incident that took place as Jesus was entering Judea for the last time and heading towards the cross (Matt 19:16–26; Mark 10:17–22; and Luke 18:18–27).3 A man ran to Jesus

and knelt before Him (Mark 10:17). Both actions speak readily of his enthusiasm and sincerity. Matthew alone mentions him as young; only Luke states that he was a ruler;4 but all three Synoptic Gospels recognize that he was wealthy. Hence, he is typically referred to as the Rich Young Ruler.

I. The View that Jesus Presented the Gospel to the Rich Young Ruler

A number of writers and commentators particularly identify the following words as a clear presentation of the gospel by Jesus which, if followed, will result in the hearer obtaining eternal life.

If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. (Matt 19:21, NKJV).

One thing you lack…Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and y...

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