19:16–22 The young man who comes to Jesus in this narrative is sometimes called the rich young ruler. That he is rich is clearly seen in all three Gospels. In Mark there is no indication of his age or rank. In Luke he is called a “ruler” (Luke 18:18), but his age is not mentioned. In Matthew he is twice designated young man (vv. 20, 22), but his rank is not indicated.

It is instructive to compare the young man’s question to Jesus as recorded both in Matthew and in Mark. In Mark he addresses Jesus with the title “good teacher” and asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Matthew has him address Jesus simply as Teacher and moves the adjective “good” to the question: What good thing must I do to get eternal life? This modification requires Jesus’ response in Mark (“Why d…