​​Having Everything—Except One Thing

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mat 5:3)

Imagine standing before a door that leads to everything you’ve ever wanted—peace, purpose, and eternal life. But in order to step through, you must leave everything behind. What would you do? Would you walk away, or would you take the step of faith?  

This is the dilemma of a young man who had everything. He was wealthy, powerful, and morally upright. He wasn’t just any rich man—he was a ruler, a leader, someone who commanded respect. Yet, despite all his success, he came to Jesus with a question that revealed the one thing he lacked: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16).  

Why would a man who seemingly had it all be concerned about eternity? He had the finest possessions, influence over people, and a reputation as a righteous man. But deep down, he knew something was missing. His question revealed his belief that eternal life could be earned, just as he had earned his wealth and status in this world.  

Jesus’ response was not what he expected. Instead of giving him a task he could accomplish, Jesus gave him a challenge he could not overcome by himself.  

Through this story, we will explore three crucial lessons:  

1. The limits of human effort,  

2. The challenge of letting go and trusting God,  

3. The true path to eternal life—faith in Christ alone.  

The rich young man approached Jesus with confidence, believing he could secure eternal life through his own merit. But Jesus saw what was in his heart. The question was not whether he had kept the commandments, but whether he was truly willing to trust fully and obediently follow Jesus.  

The young man approached Jesus with confidence. He was wealthy, successful, and respected. He had followed the commandments since his youth, lived an honorable life, and believed he had done all that was required. Yet, something was missing. He asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16).  

This question reveals his mindset—he believed eternal life could be earned, just as he had earned his wealth and status in this world. He was looking for one final achievement, one more step that would secure his place in eternity.  

Jesus answered him with a challenge: “If you would enter life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17). The young man, eager to prove his worth, asked, “Which ones?” (Matthew 19:18).  

Jesus listed several: “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:18-19).  

The young man quickly responded, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19:20). He believed he had fulfilled every requirement, yet he sensed something was missing.  

Jesus then addressed the real issue—not his actions, but his heart. “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” (Matthew 19:21).  

This was the test. Jesus was not condemning wealth but exposing the young man’s attachment to it. His riches were not just possessions; they were his identity, his security, his source of self-worth. Letting go of them meant surrendering control and placing full trust in Jesus.  

But he couldn’t do it. The Bible tells us, “When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:22). He had come seeking assurance but left in sorrow.  

This is the limitation of human effort. No matter how much we do, we can never earn eternal life. There will always be something missing because salvation is not about what we do but about who we trust. Jesus was calling him, not to add another good work to his list, but to surrender his reliance on wealth and follow Him fully.  

Many of us have things we hold onto—success, relationships, comfort, or personal achievements—that give us a sense of security. But Jesus calls us to let go of anything that takes the place of full trust in Him.  

The young man’s story is a warning. We can appear righteous, do good deeds, and be admired by the world, but if our hearts are still clinging to something other than Christ, we will always lack what matters most, which is eternal life for the young man.

Eternal life is not a reward for our goodness; it is a gift from God. Only when we recognize our need for Him and surrender everything at His feet do we truly find life. Jesus did not just ask the young man to give up his wealth—He invited him into something far greater: “Come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21).

As the rich young man walked away, Jesus turned to His disciples and made a statement that must have shaken them: “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:23).  

This was shocking. In Jewish culture, wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s blessing. The disciples likely assumed that if anyone was close to heaven, it was a man like him—faithful, obedient, and prosperous. But Jesus was challenging this assumption.  

To drive the point home, He gave a striking illustration: “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).  

A camel was the largest animal in the region, and the eye of a needle was one of the smallest openings imaginable. The image was extreme—intentionally so. Jesus was saying that for those who trust in their own wealth, abilities, or righteousness, entering God’s kingdom is not just difficult—it is impossible.  

The disciples, now completely unsettled, asked, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25). If a rich, devout man like this could not enter heaven, what hope did anyone have?  

Jesus answered with the most powerful truth in this passage: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).  

Eternal life is not something we can earn. It is not granted because of wealth, good deeds, or moral success. It is a gift, given by God’s grace, and received only through faith.  

The rich young man’s struggle is one we all face. Each of us holds onto something that gives us security—whether wealth, career, relationships, or personal achievements. We may not realize it, but these things can become barriers between us and God. We cling to them, trusting them more than we trust Him.  

Jesus was not condemning wealth itself. He was exposing the danger of misplaced trust. The more we depend on our own resources, the harder it is to rely fully on God.  

But here is the hope: what is impossible for us is possible with God. He is able to change hearts, break chains, and lead us to true life. When we surrender what we hold onto so tightly, we do not lose—rather, we gain everything in Him.  

Jesus’ challenge to the young man is the same challenge He presents to us: *Will you let go and trust Me?*   

As Jesus spoke about the difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven, Peter, always quick to speak, asked, “See, we have left everything and followed You. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27).  

Peter’s question is one many of us can relate to. If we give up what the world values to follow Jesus, what will we gain? Is it worth it?  

Jesus answered with a promise: “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28). For Peter and the other disciples, their sacrifices were not in vain. Their faithfulness would be rewarded in eternity.  

But Jesus didn’t stop there. He extended this promise to everyone who follows Him: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for My name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29).  

The rich young man walked away from Jesus, unwilling to let go of his temporary wealth. But those who surrender everything for Christ will gain far more—eternal life, a lasting inheritance, and the joy of being with God forever.  

Then Jesus gave a final, unexpected statement: “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30).  

This is the great reversal of the kingdom of God. The rich young man, who seemed first in this world—successful, respected, and powerful—walked away empty. But those who recognize their need, who come to Jesus with nothing, will receive everything.  

This passage teaches a crucial truth: Eternal life is not about doing something, but about trusting someone. It is not achieved by human effort, wealth, or status, but by placing faith in Christ alone.  

Jesus did not tell the young man to sell everything because wealth itself was evil. He told him to do so because his heart was tied to it. What Jesus asks us to let go of may be different—our pride, our self-reliance, our plans—but the call is always the same: Follow Me.  

The true path to eternal life is not about what we have, but who we trust. Jesus calls us to surrender whatever holds us back and to follow Him fully. It is not a loss but the greatest gain imaginable—treasures in heaven, joy that never fades, and a relationship with the One who gave everything for us.  

So, the question remains: What are you holding onto that is keeping you from fully following Christ? Will you trust Him today?  

Summary: The Call to Surrender 

The rich young man had everything—wealth, influence, and status. Yet, despite all his accomplishments, he sensed something was missing. He wanted eternal life, but he wanted to obtain it on his own terms, through his own efforts. When Jesus challenged him to let go of his earthly security and follow Him, the man walked away sorrowful, unable to take that step of faith.  

His story is a powerful reminder that we cannot earn eternal life. No amount of good deeds, wealth, or status can secure it. The kingdom of God is not built on human achievements but on grace. Jesus made it clear: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Salvation is not something we attain—it is a gift we receive when we trust in Christ.  

Jesus calls each of us to surrender. He does not ask us to give up what we have to deprive us, but to free us. He calls us to let go, not to take from us, but to give us something far greater—Himself.  

So, what are you holding onto today? What is keeping you from fully trusting Jesus? Is it wealth, success, comfort, pride, self-reliance, or something else?  

God’s invitation is open. He is calling you, not to rely on what you have, but to trust in who He is. Eternal life is not about gaining more—it is about knowing Him and completely trusting Him. Will you answer His call? Will you take that step of faith and follow Him?

Let’s pray together,

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace that offers eternal life, not through our efforts, but through faith in Your Son. We confess that we often cling to the things of this world, trusting in our own strength instead of fully surrendering to You. Teach us to let go of anything that keeps us from following You wholeheartedly. Help us to trust in Your love, to walk in obedience, and to embrace the eternal treasure that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.