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Everything - The untold story of the Rich Young Ruler
"Sell everything," Jesus of Nazareth had told the rich young man who had traveled so far to meet him.
This can't be the Messiah, Addi thought as he walked away from the encounter. The Messiah would have known he had dedicated his whole life to God and had built a deep and powerful financial kingdom right under Pilate and Herod's noses, a financial kingdom ready to equip and supply the Messiah's army when he returned. He and the secret organization he was a member of just needed the Messiah to step forward, claim his kingdom, and drive out the armies of Rome as the prophecies of old had foretold. Therefore, he can't be the Messiah.
Yet Addi could not deny the miracles this Jesus had demonstrated, even driving out demons, so surely God must be with him. The man was fearless and bold when he taught the people, his message powerful and amazing, yet different from what the Pharisees and Sadducees were teaching; teaching that had not gone unnoticed by them.
What must I do to inherit eternal life? Addi shook his head, feeling a little confused. Of all the questions he had wanted to ask the man, that was not one of them. Or was it?
About the story
The Apostle John stated at the end of his gospel if every one of Jesus’ acts and encounters were to be written down, the whole world would not have room for the books that would need to be written. What is even more difficult to grasp is the idea each of those acts and individual encounters with the Son of God had an even deeper story and history leading up to, and following, that brief meeting. A story and history we will never know fully until we see Jesus. This book tells the story of one of those hundreds of encounters we read about in the four Gospels. It is the story of the Rich Young Ruler and the journey that led him to ask Jesus what would ultimately end up being the most important and revealing question of his life. What must I do to inherit eternal life?
In looking at the young man before him, the creator of the universe knew there was far more going on behind, within, and around this influential and wealthy young man than the simple question he had asked Jesus. There always is. In the same all knowing way, Jesus’ response had far more meaning behind it than the young man could have ever imagined, or perhaps wanted to hear. At the end of his encounter with Jesus, we read the rich young man went away sad, because he was asked to give up everything if he were to follow Jesus. Jesus goes on to explain to his disciples how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Afterward their only response was, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus' replied; "With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
For many, that is where the story of the rich young ruler ends. However, there is a strange verse in Mark 14:51, about a "young man" who was following Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus was led away after his arrest. The verse does not seem to belong or have a purpose behind it, but God always has a reason for everything.
This novel is not about the ending of this young man's life after his initial encounter with Jesus, but about the beginning of it. It is the untold story of the dangerous and impossible road he would have to travel if he were to find his Savior, his purpose, and ultimately his quest for eternal life. With God, all things are possible.
This can't be the Messiah, Addi thought as he walked away from the encounter. The Messiah would have known he had dedicated his whole life to God and had built a deep and powerful financial kingdom right under Pilate and Herod's noses, a financial kingdom ready to equip and supply the Messiah's army when he returned. He and the secret organization he was a member of just needed the Messiah to step forward, claim his kingdom, and drive out the armies of Rome as the prophecies of old had foretold. Therefore, he can't be the Messiah.
Yet Addi could not deny the miracles this Jesus had demonstrated, even driving out demons, so surely God must be with him. The man was fearless and bold when he taught the people, his message powerful and amazing, yet different from what the Pharisees and Sadducees were teaching; teaching that had not gone unnoticed by them.
What must I do to inherit eternal life? Addi shook his head, feeling a little confused. Of all the questions he had wanted to ask the man, that was not one of them. Or was it?
About the story
The Apostle John stated at the end of his gospel if every one of Jesus’ acts and encounters were to be written down, the whole world would not have room for the books that would need to be written. What is even more difficult to grasp is the idea each of those acts and individual encounters with the Son of God had an even deeper story and history leading up to, and following, that brief meeting. A story and history we will never know fully until we see Jesus. This book tells the story of one of those hundreds of encounters we read about in the four Gospels. It is the story of the Rich Young Ruler and the journey that led him to ask Jesus what would ultimately end up being the most important and revealing question of his life. What must I do to inherit eternal life?
In looking at the young man before him, the creator of the universe knew there was far more going on behind, within, and around this influential and wealthy young man than the simple question he had asked Jesus. There always is. In the same all knowing way, Jesus’ response had far more meaning behind it than the young man could have ever imagined, or perhaps wanted to hear. At the end of his encounter with Jesus, we read the rich young man went away sad, because he was asked to give up everything if he were to follow Jesus. Jesus goes on to explain to his disciples how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Afterward their only response was, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus' replied; "With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
For many, that is where the story of the rich young ruler ends. However, there is a strange verse in Mark 14:51, about a "young man" who was following Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus was led away after his arrest. The verse does not seem to belong or have a purpose behind it, but God always has a reason for everything.
This novel is not about the ending of this young man's life after his initial encounter with Jesus, but about the beginning of it. It is the untold story of the dangerous and impossible road he would have to travel if he were to find his Savior, his purpose, and ultimately his quest for eternal life. With God, all things are possible.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 8, 2015
Have you often wondered how the stories in the Bible relate to today's world? I, for one, have done that many times. Many times I've tried to draw parallel lines between today and yesterday. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But within the pages of this book Addi ben Zuriel, the central character, brings new understanding to an old story.
In the Bible Jesus tells this young man, Addi, that in order to find eternal life he (Addi) should sell all of his possessions and follow the Lord. Of course Addi is skeptical since it is he, along with an elite band of Pharisees, who are seemingly preparing for a great leader in the guise of their Messiah to arise and with a vast army break the people free from the chains of Rome's rule.
What follows is the story of how Addi comes to accept Jesus as the Messiah; it also takes Addi quite some time to reailze that the 'new world order' is not to be of this world but a kingdom of the heart. Through the perils and intrigues of a Biblical Jerusalem at Passover, we follow Addi as he in turn follows Jesus through the Passover and ultimately through the crucifixion. We become friends with the disciples and with Jesus's mother Mary.
Like another reviewer, I too wish the Bible could be retold in a manner similar to this book. It is easy to read and understand. For me, it was also easy to see the amount of research that has gone into this tome. And while it can easily be read in a day or two I took several weeks to finish it, allowing myself the time to absorb the personal meanings. It is a book rich in detail yet easily understood.
I look forward to reading another book by Richard Hackett. Note: This Kindle edition did have several typos, however, not enough to interfere with the enjoyment of the story.
In the Bible Jesus tells this young man, Addi, that in order to find eternal life he (Addi) should sell all of his possessions and follow the Lord. Of course Addi is skeptical since it is he, along with an elite band of Pharisees, who are seemingly preparing for a great leader in the guise of their Messiah to arise and with a vast army break the people free from the chains of Rome's rule.
What follows is the story of how Addi comes to accept Jesus as the Messiah; it also takes Addi quite some time to reailze that the 'new world order' is not to be of this world but a kingdom of the heart. Through the perils and intrigues of a Biblical Jerusalem at Passover, we follow Addi as he in turn follows Jesus through the Passover and ultimately through the crucifixion. We become friends with the disciples and with Jesus's mother Mary.
Like another reviewer, I too wish the Bible could be retold in a manner similar to this book. It is easy to read and understand. For me, it was also easy to see the amount of research that has gone into this tome. And while it can easily be read in a day or two I took several weeks to finish it, allowing myself the time to absorb the personal meanings. It is a book rich in detail yet easily understood.
I look forward to reading another book by Richard Hackett. Note: This Kindle edition did have several typos, however, not enough to interfere with the enjoyment of the story.
August 25, 2014
Jerusalem, 17 A.D. Addi ben Zuriel (m, 10) watched in horror as his father Zuriel & mother Gila were murdered by a Roman assassin right in front of his very own eyes.
Addi hired Cleopas (BMF) to make things right, he took care of the matter.
Addi ben Zuriel (20) numerous religious journeys/encounters (-,+) takes off from there.
His goal of course is to follow the path of Jesus of Nazareth.
Was Cleopas (Cleo) really a friend/foe to Addi?
Who were the men of the group Pesachya? What roles did they have/play in society?
Who were the main men in the plot against Jesus of Nazareth?
My step-mom started me going to Sunday school at about 6 yrs. old. I have read the bible about a dozen times. & been involved in so many bible study groups from teen-adult. I have not really understood the great book. I must say I enjoyed reading this biblical Book.
Why couldn’t the complete bible have been written like this? I know why different style/writers views for that era.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written detailed biblical book (Old Testament: Genesis, Deuteronomy, Samuel, Kings, Psalms, Isaiah, Daniel; New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts). It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great biblical movie, animated cartoon, PP presentation or mini TV series (A & E, History channel). There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free PDF book (Author, Booklikes)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn),
Addi hired Cleopas (BMF) to make things right, he took care of the matter.
Addi ben Zuriel (20) numerous religious journeys/encounters (-,+) takes off from there.
His goal of course is to follow the path of Jesus of Nazareth.
Was Cleopas (Cleo) really a friend/foe to Addi?
Who were the men of the group Pesachya? What roles did they have/play in society?
Who were the main men in the plot against Jesus of Nazareth?
My step-mom started me going to Sunday school at about 6 yrs. old. I have read the bible about a dozen times. & been involved in so many bible study groups from teen-adult. I have not really understood the great book. I must say I enjoyed reading this biblical Book.
Why couldn’t the complete bible have been written like this? I know why different style/writers views for that era.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written detailed biblical book (Old Testament: Genesis, Deuteronomy, Samuel, Kings, Psalms, Isaiah, Daniel; New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts). It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great biblical movie, animated cartoon, PP presentation or mini TV series (A & E, History channel). There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free PDF book (Author, Booklikes)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn),
July 27, 2014
The author did a great job telling this story (within the greatest story ever told) through the timeline of the gospels. I found myself immediately pulled into the struggles the main character faced and it held me to the very end. I laughed and cried and actually felt inspired by the journey the rich young ruler takes... something I did not see coming. You will love it and there are scripture references that the author uses to let you know when and where it is following the gospels. Very clever. Bravo!
October 10, 2016
A fantastic jaunt through the world of Jesus. Hackett weaves scripture and fiction together to make for an interesting story. The reader is treated to different perspectives of biblical scenes through the eyes of fictional characters that encounter Jesus face to face and are compelled to make powerful decisions of repentance.
Hackett takes the reader on a historical exploration of the political intrigue and historical backdrop in Jesus' day and puts a new, fresh spin on it.
Hackett takes the reader on a historical exploration of the political intrigue and historical backdrop in Jesus' day and puts a new, fresh spin on it.
July 27, 2014
I picked this up during it's "free promo" but never got around to reading it until this week. Wow, I wish I would have jumped on it earlier as it was a great read. For a "Christian" book, it was fun, suspenseful, inspiring and thought provoking. It held my attention from start to end. Very nice surprise!
January 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I particularly like biblical fiction when it’s not focused on romance. This story had enough depth of its own to keep me captivated and focused solely on the young man’s quest for eternal life and the Messiah. Very well written and I would read more biblical fiction by the author.
May 26, 2018
It was amazing,with twist and turns the book kept you anxious and excited of what was on the next page. But even as I immensely enjoyed the book it kept me thinking about heaven and if I was doing like some of the people in the book did.
Great book you will love reading it.
I loved that I could relate to the book. Now I realise I gave the book a great rating but it was so well told and, I found myself really thinking about what I was doing in myself. So many books nowadays are not important and won't leave a lasting impact on the reader.
All five-star it deserved it.
Great book you will love reading it.
I loved that I could relate to the book. Now I realise I gave the book a great rating but it was so well told and, I found myself really thinking about what I was doing in myself. So many books nowadays are not important and won't leave a lasting impact on the reader.
All five-star it deserved it.
June 10, 2018
A new favorite.
I read a lot of books and this is a new favorite and the favorite in Christian fiction. It's one that you both can't put down but also don't want to end too quickly. I highly recommend it to anyone.
I read a lot of books and this is a new favorite and the favorite in Christian fiction. It's one that you both can't put down but also don't want to end too quickly. I highly recommend it to anyone.
July 27, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You won't be disappointed... in fact inspired by it.
December 22, 2016
Esta interesante de como puedes adaptar una historia independiente con un tema biblico
January 14, 2015
When I started reading this book, I didn't realize that it was a fictionalized version of the young man who couldn't give up all of his riches. I love historical fiction, and it brought this part of the Bible to life in a very interesting and captivating manner. Each of the characters was developed and I feel like I know them, and I would really have liked to have met them. It was written so well, that it could be taken as actual fact. We will never know until we get to heaven exactly what did take place, but it brought out all of the references to Jesus as our savior through the Bible. I really enjoyed this book, and will be looking for his other books to read as well.
September 22, 2018
I have always wrestled with the strange verse in Mark 14:51, about a "young man" who was following Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus was led away after his arrest. The verse does not seem to belong or have a purpose behind it, but God always has a reason for everything.
This novel is not about the ending of this young man's life after his initial encounter with Jesus, but about the beginning of it. It is the untold story of the dangerous and impossible road he would have to travel if he were to find his Savior, his purpose, and ultimately his quest for eternal life. With God, all things are possible.
I hope you enjoy it.
Richard Hackett
This novel is not about the ending of this young man's life after his initial encounter with Jesus, but about the beginning of it. It is the untold story of the dangerous and impossible road he would have to travel if he were to find his Savior, his purpose, and ultimately his quest for eternal life. With God, all things are possible.
I hope you enjoy it.
Richard Hackett
February 24, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I won it as an ebook. it was well written and I would recommend it. My apologies to the author. I thought I had written a review for this many months ago. (I have difficulty with ebooks. If any one has good instructions how to send a mobi file from your email to an android with a kindle app, I would appreciate it.) Thanks
October 28, 2021
Just ok
The premise was good and intriguing. Wanted a little more meat than what was offered in this story. Storyline was ok, though.
The premise was good and intriguing. Wanted a little more meat than what was offered in this story. Storyline was ok, though.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews