Of all the encounters we talk about with Jesus, there are some that don't always go as we think they should. The Rich Young Ruler meeting Jesus is one such encounter. Here we see a man who has it all; wealth, a strong stature in society, and he's overall a "good person." But as we dig deeper, we see he comes to Jesus with an aching in his heart. He's done all that he can to obey the law and check all the boxes in life. What else is left that he must do to earn eternity?
Jesus' answer must have shocked and surprised the man. Indeed, we see that he left Jesus' presence downcast and dismayed. He was instructed to sell all his riches, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus. Jesus pointed out the very thing that separated this man from being able to find the Kingdom. His heart was still set on earthly, temporary things. There is a lot that we can take away from this encounter. Once again, we learn much about Jesus (and ourselves) as we study the people He met.