Toni M. Babcock
Why was Jesus’ response to Nicodemus and the ‘Rich Young Ruler’ so vastly different? — Because their approach to Jesus was so different.
Nicodemus came to Jesus believing he needed to learn the way, whereas the rich young ruler came to Jesus believing he needed to earn the way.
Nicodemus expressed a growing belief, saying “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”
(John 2:2b CSB).
But the rich young ruler gave no such acknowledgement of Jesus’ power or authority.
His only concern was how he could inherit eternal life on his own merit.
His demeanor revealed he’d rather save himself than surrender to Jesus’ authority.
This fact became apparent later when Jesus put his finger on his lack of faith.
It appears Jesus responded to each of these men according to their capacity to trust Him.
To Nicodemus he said, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,” (John 3:3b CSB), and “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 NKJV).
He would only need to relinquish any trust in religious ritual and tradition to save himself and simply ‘believe on the Lord Jesus Christ’ (cf. John 3:18 CSB).
Evidently, the young ruler didn’t have the capacity to understand this yet, but Jesus gave him something to think about in the meantime.
After reviewing some commandments (which the young man insisted he had ‘kept from his youth’), Jesus wisely said “You still lack one thing: Sell all you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22 CSB).
Now, if the rich ruler had replied “Lord, I need Your power to do that.
I’m a lost sinner! Save me!” T
hen he might have understood how salvation through Jesus really works.
Toni is author of Reflections from the Heart and, The Stone Writer. Contact
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