Matthew 19:16

Behold. [The Rich Young Ruler, Matt. 19:16-30=Mark 10:17-31=Luke 18:18-30. Major comment: Matthew.] This incident seems to have followed closely the blessing of the children (see vs. 13-15). The “ruler” had witnessed the blessing of the children, and this heart-warming expression of love prompted his question (see DA 518).

One came. He is usually called “the rich young ruler,” a composite name based on the three synoptic accounts of the incident. According to Matthew he is said to have been “young” (ch. 19:20), and in Luke he is spoken of as a “ruler” who was “very rich” (ch. 18:18, 23). According to his viewpoint he was conscientious and had lived an exemplary life (see on Matt. 19:19). As a “ruler” he occupied a position of responsibility and was a member of the “honored council of the Jews” (see DA 518, 520). Whether this was the local sanhedrin or council of the town in which he lived or the Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem is not certain (see p. 67).

The rich young ruler seems to have accosted Jesus as He was leaving the town (see Mark 10:17). That the young man came “running” reflects youthful eagerness, and that he “kneeled” indicates sincerity (Mark 10:17). His attitude was markedly in contrast with that of the Pharisees, who had recently come “tempting” Jesus (see Matt. 19:3).

This incident and the instruction afterward given the disciples (vs. 23-30) teach first, the importance of self-renunciation as a requirement for entrance into the kingdom of heaven (see on Luke 9:61, 62; 14:26-28, 33), and second, the danger of a love for money (see on Matt. 6:19-12; Luke 12:13-21; 16:1-15).

Good Master. Literally, “good Teacher” (see on v. 17).

What good thing? This question reflects the typical Pharisaical concept of righteousness by works as a passport to “eternal life” (see on v. 17). The rich young ruler had conscientiously performed all the requirements of the law (COL 391), in a formal way at least, and no doubt all those imposed by the rabbis as well, yet was conscious of a lack in his life. He greatly admired Jesus, and seriously considered becoming one of His disciples (DA 518). For the same question propounded by “a certain lawyer” on a previous occasion see on Luke 10:25.