“Sell
all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me.”
Luke 18:22
Luke 18 [18.] A certain ruler asked him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Luke 18 [19.] Jesus asked him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one—God. You know the commandments: ‘Don’t commit adultery,’ ‘Don’t murder,’ ‘Don’t steal,’ ‘Don’t give false testimony,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”[a]
Luke 18 [21.] He said, “I have observed all these things from my youth up.”
Luke 18 [22.] When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me.”
Luke 18 [23.] But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.
Luke 18 [24.] Jesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom! For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
Meaning:
This statement from Jesus follows the rich young ruler's question about inheriting eternal life. The young man claims to have kept all the commandments since his youth. However, Jesus reveals the heart of the matter by exposing the ruler's attachment to his wealth.
The significance of Luke 18:22 lies in its portrayal of the true cost of discipleship. Jesus challenges the young ruler to relinquish his attachment to material possessions and to prioritize following Him above all else. This encounter highlights the tension between worldly wealth and spiritual treasure, emphasizing the need for wholehearted commitment to Christ.
This verse prompts us to reflect on our own priorities and attachments. Are we willing to surrender everything to follow Jesus? Do we value earthly possessions more than the eternal treasures of heaven? Jesus' call to the rich young ruler is a reminder that discipleship requires radical obedience and sacrifice.
Cross-referencing with other passages in Scripture, we find similar teachings on the importance of surrendering our possessions for the sake of the kingdom. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He warns against the pursuit of wealth and encourages a shift in focus toward eternal investments.
Furthermore, the theme of radical obedience and sacrifice is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. In Luke 9:23-24, Jesus declares, "If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." This call to self-denial and taking up one's cross echoes the challenge presented to the rich young ruler.
As we reflect on Luke 18:22, we are challenged to examine our own hearts and consider what may be hindering us from wholeheartedly following Jesus. Are there areas of our lives where we are holding back from complete surrender? Are we willing to trust God's provision and prioritize His kingdom above all else?
In our personal lives, this verse prompts us to reevaluate our relationship with material possessions and worldly wealth. Are we using our resources to advance God's kingdom and bless others, or are we hoarding them for our own security and comfort?
Ultimately, Luke 18:22 calls us to a deeper level of commitment and discipleship. It challenges us to let go of anything that hinders us from following Jesus wholeheartedly and to trust in His promise of eternal treasure in heaven. May we be willing to surrender all for the sake of Christ, knowing that He is worthy of our utmost devotion.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible