Luke 18:18-23 is about a rich young ruler who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus challenges him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor in order to truly follow Him.
18 A ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’”
21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.”
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
Setting the Scene for Luke 18:18-23
In Luke chapter 18, we find Jesus teaching a crowd of people who have gathered to hear Him speak. Among the crowd is a wealthy ruler, known as the rich young ruler, who approaches Jesus with a burning question on his mind. The scene is set in a bustling marketplace in a small town, with vendors selling their goods and people going about their daily activities.
The rich young ruler, dressed in fine robes and accompanied by his entourage, approaches Jesus with a sense of urgency and humility. He kneels before Jesus, seeking answers to his deepest spiritual questions. Jesus, surrounded by His disciples and other followers, listens intently to the young man’s inquiry, knowing the inner turmoil that plagues his heart.
As the conversation unfolds, the rich young ruler reveals his desire to inherit eternal life and asks Jesus what he must do to achieve this. Jesus, with compassion in His eyes, challenges the young man to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, a test of true devotion and surrender. The rich young ruler’s reaction to Jesus’ words sets the stage for a powerful lesson on the true cost of discipleship and the importance of prioritizing God above all else.
What is Luke 18:18-23 about?
A rich ruler approaches Jesus with a question about how to inherit eternal life in this verse. It is a profound moment where the ruler is seeking spiritual guidance from Jesus, recognizing that there is something more important than his earthly wealth. Jesus then challenges the ruler by telling him to sell his possessions and follow Him. This statement highlights the idea that true discipleship involves letting go of anything that may hinder our relationship with God, even material possessions that we may value greatly. This verse prompts us to consider the things in our own lives that may be holding us back from fully following Jesus as we reflect on it. Are there attachments or distractions that are preventing us from wholeheartedly committing to Him? Jesus’ response to the rich ruler challenges us to examine our priorities and make sure that our pursuit of eternal life is the most important thing in our lives. Just like the rich ruler, we are called to take a step of faith and trust that following Jesus wholeheartedly is worth more than any earthly possession.
Understanding what Luke 18:18-23 really means
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a poignant interaction between Jesus and a wealthy young ruler. This encounter begins with the young man approaching Jesus with a burning question about eternal life, a question that resonates with the universal human desire for assurance beyond this earthly existence. Addressing Jesus as “Good Teacher,” the young man seeks guidance on what actions are necessary to inherit eternal life, acknowledging Jesus as a moral authority in his quest for spiritual truth.
Jesus, in his response, redirects the focus to God’s ultimate goodness, emphasizing that true goodness emanates solely from the divine. By challenging the young man’s perception of goodness and its source, Jesus prompts a deeper reflection on the nature of morality and righteousness. He then directs the young man’s attention to the commandments, underscoring the significance of moral and ethical living within the Jewish tradition.
The young man, confident in his observance of the commandments since his youth, reveals his dedication to religious practices. However, Jesus identifies a crucial deficiency in the young man’s spiritual journey – his attachment to wealth. The call to sell all possessions, give to the poor, and follow Jesus underscores the theme of self-sacrifice and prioritizing spiritual wealth over material abundance.
Upon hearing Jesus’ challenging directive, the young man’s reaction is one of deep sadness, highlighting the profound struggle of detaching from material possessions and embracing a life of true discipleship. This poignant moment encapsulates the cost of following Jesus and the radical transformation required to fully commit to the teachings of Christ.
The relevance of this passage extends to contemporary society, where the pursuit of material wealth often overshadows spiritual values. The timeless message of prioritizing spiritual treasures over earthly possessions resonates with individuals navigating the complexities of modern life. It prompts introspection on our own attachments and barriers to wholeheartedly following Jesus, urging us to reevaluate our priorities and embrace a deeper connection to our faith.
Consider a scenario where a successful individual, despite amassing wealth and achievements, grapples with a sense of emptiness and seeks a greater purpose. Upon encountering the teachings from this passage, they are inspired to embark on a journey of philanthropy, using their resources to uplift those in need. Through this act of generosity and selflessness, they discover a renewed sense of fulfillment and a profound alignment with their spiritual beliefs.
In conclusion, the narrative of the rich young ruler serves as a compelling call to examine our lives, identify potential obstacles to wholehearted discipleship, and embrace a transformative journey towards spiritual abundance. By heeding this profound lesson, we are challenged to elevate our commitment to following Jesus, prioritizing eternal treasures over fleeting material possessions, and ultimately finding profound fulfillment in a deeper relationship with God.
How can we let go of earthly possessions?
Jesus tells a rich young ruler in this passage to sell all of his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow Him. The young man walks away sorrowful because he cannot let go of his earthly possessions. This story serves as a reminder that our attachment to material wealth can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. We may neglect the more important aspects of life such as caring for others and deepening our faith by holding on tightly to our possessions.
To let go of earthly possessions, we can reflect on the temporary nature of material wealth and the eternal significance of spiritual treasures. Cultivating a mindset of detachment from material possessions can help us prioritize our relationship with God and serving others over accumulating wealth. We can begin to loosen our grip on earthly possessions and focus on storing up treasures in heaven instead by practicing generosity, sharing with those in need, and embracing a simpler lifestyle. Letting go of earthly possessions ultimately allows us to experience the freedom and joy that come from seeking God’s kingdom above all else.
Application
Imagine your life as a busy office, filled with tasks that demand your attention. Will you choose to prioritize your faith above all else, just as you prioritize your family? Let go of the unnecessary burdens weighing you down and focus on what truly matters. Dare to make the bold choice to follow Jesus with unwavering commitment. Will you step up to this challenge and embrace a life of faith and purpose with open arms?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.