Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Matthew 19:21-22 ESV
One day, a man approached Jesus, asking what good deed he would need to do to obtain eternal life (Matt. 19:16). This man had likely heard Jesus as he proclaimed the kingdom of heaven and eternal life. And it seemed desirable to him. But there must be something he would have to do to earn such a reward.
Jesus responded by telling him to keep the commandments, specifically the latter half of the Ten Commandments. The man had done that. He was a devout follower of the law. But it wasn’t enough (Matt. 19:17-20).
Jesus then proceeded to tell him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, and then follow him. And Matthew tells us that the man went away sorrowful because he had great riches. He was unwilling to do the “good deed” that Jesus gave him; the price was too high.
What Must I Do?
The question this man asked is one that many ask. What do I have to do to obtain eternal life? Is living a righteous life enough? That is indeed good. But it is not enough.
What is the cost of following Jesus? Do I have to sell all I have and give it to the poor? You might need to do that. But that act will not earn you eternal life.
So what do we have to do? Jesus’ last words to this man were, “Come, follow me.” Jesus wants us to follow him, to become his disciples. Not just part-time. But to be fully committed to him.
The rich man’s possessions had first place in his life. That is why Jesus called on him to give them away. And, just like he did with this man, Jesus calls on each of us to let go of those things that keep us from fully following Jesus. Let go of whatever holds you back, and then come and follow Jesus wherever he leads. And you will have eternal life.
