Old Testament Salvation and The Rich Young Ruler Part 1

(After a four part introduction into the issue at hand, we’re finally on our way to understanding the passage)

The Bible doesn’t use the term “Rich Young Ruler” to describe this man.  How did he become known as the “Rich Young Ruler?”  In Matthew 19:20, he is described as young:

(Matthew 19:20)  The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

In Luke, we see this man described as a ruler:

(Luke 18:18)  And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

The Question

(Mark 10:17)  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?

And when he was gone forth into the way

“The way” meant the way towards Jerusalem (See Mark 10:32).  The Lord was continuing on his way into Judea towards Jerusalem.  In Mark 10:1, He’s on the east side of the Jordan River and will eventually enter Jericho.  The

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Galilean ministry is over.  He’s entering into enemy territory ruled by Herod Antipas.  He just condemned divorce in teaching the truth about marriage in Mark 10:2-12. (By the way, this would really tweak Herod.  Remember he beheaded John the Baptist for condemning his lifestyle?)   He just reproved his disciples for preventing little children (in Luke they are called “infants”) in Mark 10:13-16.

…there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Obviously, this man was sincere.  He knelt at the feet of Jesus.  The term “Good Master” indicates he has a respect for Jesus as a teacher.  But don’t be confused about where his man is in his spirit.

• In Matthew 8:19, the scribes call Jesus “Master.”

• In Mark 12:13-14, it’s the Pharisees and the Herodians who use this term.

Don’t get too attached to the idea this man is a believer because of the way He addresses the Lord.  This man is seeking an answer to the most important question a person can ask about his own soul.  Perhaps a little more light can be gained by looking at the encounter as recorded in Matthew.