The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 reveals a deep truth about the grip material wealth can have on our hearts. This young man, full of potential and eager to live a righteous life, approached Jesus with a genuine question. Yet, when confronted with the cost of discipleship, his pride in his possessions prevented him from fully committing to following Jesus. Today, we will reflect on how attachment to worldly wealth can become an obstacle to our spiritual growth and how humility and surrender are key to living a life of true discipleship.
Today’s Scripture
“Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.'” – Matthew 19:16-22 (NKJV)
The Rich Young Ruler’s Pride in His Possessions
The rich young ruler came to Jesus with the right question, but when given the answer, his attachment to his wealth prevented him from following through. His story is not just about money; it’s about the pride and security he found in his possessions. He believed he had done everything right—keeping the commandments and living a good life—but Jesus exposed the one area that still held his heart captive: his love for his wealth.
The Illusion of Security in Wealth
For the rich young ruler, his wealth was more than just material—it was his source of security, identity, and pride. He couldn’t imagine life without it, and this attachment was so deep that it kept him from fully surrendering to Jesus. Many of us, like the young man, find comfort in what we possess, believing that our security comes from our bank accounts, possessions, or status. Yet, Jesus reminds us that true security comes not from what we own but from our relationship with Him.
The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus’ instruction to the young man was simple yet profound: “Sell what you have and give to the poor… and come, follow Me.” This was not just a command to rid himself of wealth but an invitation to experience true freedom and treasure in heaven. The cost of discipleship often requires us to let go of the things we hold most dear—whether it’s wealth, status, or pride—in order to fully embrace the life Jesus offers. The rich young ruler’s refusal to let go of his possessions shows that he valued his material wealth more than the eternal life Jesus promised.
The Danger of Letting Possessions Rule Our Lives
Possessions, in and of themselves, are not evil. The issue arises when they become more important to us than our relationship with God. When we let pride in our material success or attachment to worldly things control our decisions, we are in danger of missing out on the abundant life Jesus offers. The rich young ruler’s story is a cautionary tale of how pride in possessions can keep us from experiencing the fullness of what God has for us.
The Choice Between Earthly and Heavenly Treasures
Jesus made it clear that the young ruler had to choose between his earthly wealth and heavenly treasures. The same choice is placed before us every day. Will we cling to the temporary things of this world, or will we trust God enough to surrender everything and follow Him wholeheartedly? Jesus does not demand poverty, but He does call us to hold our possessions loosely, recognizing that they are temporary and cannot compare to the eternal riches found in Him.
Humility and Surrender
The rich young ruler lacked the humility to see that his wealth was holding him back. He wanted eternal life on his terms, without making the necessary sacrifices. However, Jesus calls us to a life of surrender, where we lay down our pride and attachments and follow Him with everything we have. It is only through humility and surrender that we can truly experience the freedom and joy of being His disciples.
Practical Steps to Loosen the Grip of Possessions
- Evaluate Your Priorities: Take time to assess where your heart truly lies. Are you placing your security and identity in material wealth or in your relationship with Jesus? Reflect on the areas of your life where pride in possessions might be holding you back.
- Practice Generosity: One way to break free from the grip of materialism is to practice generosity. As Jesus instructed the young ruler, giving to those in need is a tangible way to shift our focus from ourselves and our wealth to the needs of others.
- Cultivate Contentment: Learn to be content with what you have, knowing that your true worth is found in Christ. Contentment is the antidote to the constant striving for more and can help you find peace regardless of your financial situation.
- Pray for a Heart of Surrender: Ask God to give you the humility to surrender your pride and possessions. Through prayer, invite the Holy Spirit to work in your heart, loosening your attachment to material things and deepening your reliance on God.
Conclusion
The rich young ruler’s story in Matthew 19:16-22 reveals the dangers of pride in our possessions. His inability to let go of his wealth prevented him from fully following Jesus and experiencing the eternal life he sought. As we reflect on this story, let us examine our own hearts, asking ourselves what we might be holding on to that is keeping us from fully surrendering to Jesus. True discipleship requires humility, a willingness to let go, and the understanding that the treasures of heaven far outweigh anything this world can offer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to release our pride and attachment to material possessions. Give us the humility to surrender everything to You and to trust in Your provision. Teach us to place our security and identity in You, not in the things of this world. May we follow You wholeheartedly, knowing that the treasures of heaven are far greater than anything we can possess on earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
