Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

A man came to Jesus with an important question. He called Jesus a good teacher and asked what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus pointed him to God’s goodness and said that if he wanted to enter life, he should keep the commandments.

The man asked which commandments Jesus meant. Jesus named commands against murder, adultery, stealing, and false witness, and the command to honour father and mother. In Matthew, Jesus also spoke of loving your neighbour as yourself. The man said he had kept these from his youth and asked what he still lacked.

Jesus looked at him with love and told him what he still lacked. He was to sell what he had, give to the poor, and then come and follow Jesus. But the man became very sad and went away, because he had great wealth.

Jesus then spoke to his disciples. He said it is hard for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom, even saying it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye. The disciples were astonished and asked who, then, could be saved. Jesus answered that what is impossible with people is possible with God.

Peter said that the disciples had left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus replied that in the age to come, those who had followed him would share in his reign, and he promised that anyone who had left home, family, or land for his sake would receive much and would inherit eternal life. He also warned that many who are first will be last, and the last first.