The Rich Young Ruler and the Skeptic: What Are You Holding Onto?
In Mark 10:17-22, we encounter the story of the rich young ruler, a man who approached Jesus seeking eternal life. He believed he had kept all the commandments from his youth and was eager to know what he lacked. Yet, when Jesus asked him to sell all he had, give to the poor, and follow Him, the young man walked away sorrowful, unable to part with his wealth.
This story is often seen as a lesson about the dangers of materialism, but it also reveals a deeper spiritual truth: each of us has something we hold onto that can prevent us from fully surrendering to Christ. For the skeptic, particularly the atheist who trusts in intellect and reason above all else, the "riches" are not monetary—they are the mind, the need for absolute proof, and the reliance on human understanding.
The Rich Young Ruler’s Dilemma
The rich young ruler genuinely sought eternal life, yet his trust was misplaced. He clung to his wealth as a source of identity, security, and control. Jesus’ command to sell everything wasn’t just about money; it was about addressing the ruler’s deepest attachment and redirecting his trust to God alone.
Jesus’ words in Mark 10:21, “One thing you lack,” highlight that eternal life cannot be earned or secured through personal effort or possessions. Instead, it requires surrender and faith in Christ. The ruler’s sorrowful departure (Mark 10:22) demonstrates the difficulty of letting go of what we treasure most.
For the skeptic, the riches of intellect and reason can create a similar barrier. While intellect is a gift from God, when it becomes the ultimate authority, it can block the humility and faith required to trust in Christ.
The Idol of Intellect
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This passage underscores the danger of relying solely on human understanding. While reason and intellect have their place, they are not infallible.
The skeptic who demands absolute proof before believing in God is, in essence, trusting their intellect as their savior. They seek to understand the infinite God with finite reasoning, forgetting that faith transcends human comprehension. Isaiah 55:8-9 declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
The rich young ruler trusted his wealth to give him security. The skeptic trusts their intellect to provide certainty. Both face the same challenge: will they surrender their "riches" and trust in Christ?
Faith is Not Anti-Reason, But Beyond Reason
Faith and reason are not enemies. Scripture invites us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27). Christianity is a faith rooted in history, evidence, and reason, as seen in the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:14-19). However, reason has limits.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith involves trusting in God’s promises, even when we cannot fully comprehend them. This doesn’t mean abandoning intellect; it means recognizing its boundaries and trusting God beyond what reason can explain.
The rich young ruler could not imagine life without his wealth. Similarly, the skeptic struggles to imagine faith without definitive proof. Yet, both are invited to trust in God, who is greater than our possessions and intellect.
The Invitation to Surrender
Imagine if the rich young ruler had responded differently. What if, instead of walking away, he said to Jesus, “I can’t let go of my wealth on my own. Help me!” Would Jesus not have extended grace? Mark 10:27 assures us: “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
The skeptic faces a similar choice. Salvation is not about achieving intellectual certainty or mastering theology. It’s about surrendering to Christ and trusting in His sufficiency. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The act of surrender doesn’t mean discarding intellect; it means acknowledging its limitations and allowing faith to bridge the gap.
Practical Application: What Are You Holding Onto?
For believers:
Reflect on what “riches” you may be clinging to. Is it control, achievements, intellect, or something else? Are you willing to surrender these to God?
For skeptics:
Consider whether your reliance on intellect may be preventing you from exploring faith. Are you willing to admit the limits of human understanding and take a step of trust?
For all:
Faith is not about having all the answers; it’s about trusting the One who does. As Jesus invites in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Conclusion: The Ultimate Riches
The rich young ruler walked away sorrowful because he trusted his wealth more than Jesus. The skeptic risks walking away for the same reason—trusting intellect over the One who created it. Yet Jesus’ invitation remains: “Follow me.”
Faith doesn’t ask you to abandon reason; it asks you to trust God when reason reaches its limits. Will you let go of your “riches” and embrace the ultimate treasure: a relationship with Christ?
The question isn’t just for the rich young ruler or the skeptic. It’s for all of us. What are you holding onto, and will you let it go for the sake of knowing Christ?