Mattityahu 19:16-23

Yeshua Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

16 Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"

17 He said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the mitzvot."

  1. He said to him, "Which ones?" Yeshua said, 'You shall not murder.' 'You shall not commit adultery.' 'You shall not steal.' 'You shall not offer false testimony.'

19 'Honor your father and mother.' And, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

20 The young man said to him, "All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?"

21 Yeshua said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

  1. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.
  2. Yeshua said to his talmidim, "Most assuredly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty.

Yeshua does not teach that salvation is ever achieved by divesting oneself of all possessions, even for charitable purposes. However, this youthful inquirer had one concern that was far greater than his desire to have life eternal. His possessions occupied the position of primary devotion in his life. Until he could persuade himself to be willing to seek God regardless of the cost (cf. 6:33), he could never discover eternal life. Therefore, Yeshua suggested the selling of his possessions. Therefore young men and women do you put your trust in your wealth or would you put your trust on eternal life?

Glossary

Yeshua - Jesus known by the greek

Talmidim - Disciples

Mitzvot - Commandment