“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Luke 18:22

The ruler’s question isn’t a casual one. Jesus hears his sincerity and longing, but he then challenges him about coveting and possessions (the tenth commandment, not previously mentioned). The man has so much, but there is one thing he lacks: his attachment to his possessions makes him unable to choose the kingdom. The irony is that his ‘lack’ is that he has everything. That is what stops him following Jesus. Literally ‘deeply grieved’ (v. 23) because of his wealth, he cannot follow through. Jesus has compassion for the man’s distress and recognizes how hard his choice is, but there’s no getting away from it: wealth is what stops him receiving the kingdom. For him, it cannot be both/and, it has to be either/or. You can’t get a camel through the eye of a needle; this man, though he longs to follow, cannot do so unless he yields up what has such a hold over him.

Wealth as a spiritual problem (not as a sign of blessing) shocks all who are listening (v. 26). Peter blurts out that they’ve done what’s required: ‘We have left all we had to follow you!’ (v. 28). Jesus then reassures the disciples that sacrifices made to choose the kingdom of God will not be in vain, but that the challenge to choose the kingdom always comes first.

APPLY

What stops you from seeking his kingdom and righteousness first before all things? Be accountable to another if God shows you need to change.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I confess that your kingdom does not always take first place in my thinking or actions. As I ask your forgiveness, I also look to you to help me have right priorities—your priorities—in all I think and do.

(Edited from Encounter with God)