Matthew 19:16-22, The Rich Young Man

16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Comments

Contemporary Jews of Jesus believed wealth to be a sign of God’s blessing. Coupled with the modest lifestyle of Jesus and his disciples, unlike most teachers’ moderate wealthy, sets the stage for this account. “What I must do” concerned the rich young man more than “what I am.” Perhaps he sought a spectacular act of charity rather than a life of consistent obedience in keeping God’s commandments. The man’s question located goodness in his deeds. Jesus turned the table and located it in God and his word.

The man looked at self-sufficiency. Jesus looked to God. Entering into eternal life was not through good deeds but in keeping God’s commandments. Jesus showed how inadequate his supposed righteousness really was. Discipleship, not charity, was the issue. Contrary to popular expectations then and now, wealth hinders entering the kingdom of heaven.

Prayers

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 229)