Gospel
Matthew 19:16-22
16 A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” 17 He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Historical Background
Jesus is traveling through Judea beyond the Jordan, en route to Jerusalem. This is a time of increasing tension and clarity in His teachings about the Kingdom.
The man is described as young, wealthy, and morally upright. Luke calls him a “ruler,” possibly a synagogue official. His public approach to Jesus—running and kneeling—is culturally striking, as Jewish men of status did not run or show such vulnerability.
In cultural lens, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor. The man’s question reflects a common Jewish concern: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”—a concept tied to covenant faithfulness and eschatological hope.
Theological Context
Jesus redirects the man’s focus from human goodness to divine perfection: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.” This challenges superficial moralism and invites deeper recognition of Jesus’ divine identity.
Jesus lists commandments from the second tablet of the Law (human relationships), then calls the man to radical surrender—sell possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This is not a universal command, but a diagnostic for this man’s heart.
The passage reveals that eternal life isn’t earned by works but received through surrender. Jesus exposes the idol of wealth and invites the man into relational discipleship, not transactional religion.
Learning Lessons
Goodness is not enough, moral behavior doesn’t guarantee eternal life. Only God is truly good. Discipleship is costly—it demands complete trust and surrender, not just compliance.
Wealth can be a spiritual barrier. Jesus identifies the man’s attachment to possessions as the stumbling block. He kept the commandments but withheld his heart. Jesus sees the heart, He doesn’t condemn the man but lovingly reveals what he lacks.
“The One Thing Lacking”
He came with zeal, a noble face,
A ruler rich, yet seeking grace.
“Good Teacher, tell me what to do,
To gain the life that’s pure and true.”
“You know the law,” the Savior said,
“Honor, love, and daily bread.”
“I’ve kept them all,” the young man cried,
Yet still he felt unsatisfied.
“One thing you lack,” the Lord replied,
“Give all away, be sanctified.
Then follow Me, and you will find
A treasure that no wealth can bind.”
But sorrow gripped his heart that day,
He turned in silence, walked away.
The riches clung, the soul withdrew—
The cost too high, the faith too few.
O Lord, may we not turn aside,
But walk with You, our only guide.
Lord Jesus,
Good Teacher and Eternal King, You see beyond my deeds into the depths of my heart. Like the rich young ruler, I often seek to earn what You freely give.
Help me release my grip on what I treasure more than You. Teach me that goodness is not the goal—You are. Give me courage to follow, even when it costs comfort, pride, or possessions. May I not walk away sorrowful but run toward You with joy.
You alone are good. You alone are life. I surrender all. Lead me in Your way everlasting.
Amen.
Pericope:
VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem
THE RICH YOUNG MAN
Matthew 19:16-30
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
