A man came to Jesus and asked; what good thing must he do to get eternal life? His question was not valid: No one other than God himself is good. All inclinations of fallen man are evil (Ge 6:5). Eternal life is not something that we “get” (Ro 6:23). The man’s idea stems from human desire to achieve something great with his own strength, away from God’s grace and sovereign will.
Jesus counseled this young, rich man (22) who had kept the law from his youth (20), to be perfect by selling all his possessions, giving the proceeds to the poor, and following Jesus (21). Jesus explained the extent of God's love that we need to learn as we practice keeping the law. However, having too much to lose, the man went away sad.
The disciples were also perplexed at Jesus’ comment that it was hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. They might not have been rich, but they also had the desire to keep as much in the world and enter God’s kingdom as well. While it may seem impossible to let go of our desires for the world, God makes it all possible when we commit to following Jesus (26, 29). Would you decide today to follow Jesus, giving up things of the world that hold you back?
Jul 24, 2026
THE RICH YOUNG MAN
Passage: Matthew 19:16-30
Key verse: 26
NIV
chapter 19
16. Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17. "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments."
18. "Which ones?" he inquired. Jesus replied, "’You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony,
19. honor your father and mother,’ and ’love your neighbor as yourself.’"
20. "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
21. Jesus answered, "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."
22. When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.
24. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
25. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
26. Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
27. Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"
28. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
30. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, you are the one righteous and good. Please declutter my mind of worldly things and lead me.
One Word: Follow Jesus