Introduction:
The phrase "A Certain Ruler" refers to a character mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—who approaches Jesus with questions about eternal life. This encounter is often associated with the account of the "Rich Young Ruler," although the term "young" is specifically mentioned only in Matthew's account. The narrative highlights themes of wealth, discipleship, and the challenge of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.

Biblical Accounts:

1. Matthew 19:16-22 :
In Matthew's Gospel, the ruler is described as a young man. He approaches Jesus with the question, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). Jesus responds by pointing to the commandments, and the young man claims he has kept all these. Jesus then tells him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me" (Matthew 19:21). The young man departs sorrowfully because he has great wealth.

2. Mark 10:17-22 :
Mark's account provides a similar narrative, with the ruler running up to Jesus and kneeling before Him, asking, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). Jesus first questions why He is called good, stating that only God is truly good. After listing the commandments, Jesus looks at the man with love and repeats the instruction to sell his possessions and follow Him. The man is described as disheartened by this demand and leaves in sorrow.

3. Luke 18:18-23 :
In Luke's Gospel, the ruler is explicitly identified as a "certain ruler" who poses the question about eternal life. Jesus' response and the ruler's reaction are consistent with the other accounts. The ruler's wealth is again highlighted as a barrier to his willingness to follow Jesus fully.

Theological Themes:

· Wealth and Discipleship:
The account of the certain ruler underscores the tension between material wealth and spiritual commitment. Jesus' directive to sell all possessions is not a universal command but a specific challenge to this individual, revealing the ruler's attachment to his wealth as an obstacle to true discipleship.

· The Kingdom of God:
The narrative illustrates the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, as Jesus later explains to His disciples. This teaching emphasizes the need for reliance on God rather than on material security.

· Moral and Ethical Living:
The ruler's initial confidence in his adherence to the commandments reflects a common belief in the sufficiency of moral and ethical living for salvation. Jesus' response redirects the focus from mere rule-following to a deeper, sacrificial commitment to God.

Cultural and Historical Context:

· Social Status:
The ruler's wealth and status are significant in the cultural context of the time, where wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor. Jesus' challenge to the ruler subverts this notion, suggesting that spiritual richness is of greater value.

· Jewish Understanding of Eternal Life:
The ruler's question about eternal life reflects a Jewish concern with righteousness and the afterlife, rooted in the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures and the Pharisaic tradition.

Conclusion:
The account of the certain ruler serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of discipleship and the radical nature of Jesus' call to prioritize the Kingdom of God above all earthly attachments.