In Matthew 19 What Does The Interaction With The Rich Young Ruler Teach Us About The Relationship Between Wealth And Discipleship?
The Rich Young Ruler: Wealth and Discipleship in Matthew 19
The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-30 ASV presents a powerful lesson about the relationship between material wealth and wholehearted discipleship. This encounter, recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels, challenges both ancient and modern readers to consider where true treasure lies and what it means to follow Jesus.
1. The Encounter: A Question of Eternal Life
The passage begins with a young man approaching Jesus with a sincere question:
And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? - Matthew 19:16 ASV
This question reveals a common human tendency: seeking eternal life through personal merit or good works. Jesus responds by pointing him to the commandments, highlighting God’s standard (Matthew 19:17).
2. The Heart of the Matter: Commandments and Lack
After the young man claims to have kept all the commandments, he asks, “What lack I yet?” (Matthew 19:20). Jesus then exposes the heart issue:
Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. - Matthew 19:21 ASV
The command to sell his possessions was not a universal directive for all believers, but a personal challenge to this man's particular idol—his wealth. Jesus reveals that true discipleship requires surrender of anything that takes the place of God in our hearts.
3. Wealth as a Barrier to Discipleship
The young man’s response is telling:
But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions. - Matthew 19:22 ASV
Here, the text teaches that wealth can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, making it difficult to trust in Christ alone. Jesus later explains to His disciples:
And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. - Matthew 19:23-24 ASV
Jesus’ statement is not a condemnation of wealth itself, but a warning about its spiritual dangers. Wealth can become a stumbling block when it is loved or trusted more than God (1 Timothy 6:10).
4. Salvation: God’s Work, Not Ours
The disciples, astonished, ask, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus provides a crucial theological insight:
And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. - Matthew 19:26 ASV
This underscores the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, not by human effort or wealth (Ephesians 2:8-9). No amount of riches or morality can earn eternal life; only God’s grace, received through faith in Christ, saves.
5. The Reward of Discipleship
Peter asks what those who have left everything to follow Jesus will receive. Jesus promises:
And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. - Matthew 19:29-30 ASV
True reward is found in following Christ, not in earthly possessions. Discipleship may require sacrifice, but it leads to eternal treasure and a new family in God’s kingdom.
6. Application: How Should We Respond?
- Examine our hearts: Are we trusting in wealth, abilities, or status instead of Christ?
- Hold possessions loosely: Wealth is not inherently evil, but it must be subordinated to Christ’s lordship (Matthew 6:19-21).
- Embrace radical discipleship: Jesus calls us to follow Him above all else, trusting that He provides true riches—now and for eternity.
Conclusion
The story of the rich young ruler teaches that wealth can be a spiritual obstacle if it dominates our priorities. Eternal life is a gift from God, received by faith in Jesus Christ, and following Him may require letting go of earthly treasures. Only then do we discover the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and the joy of true discipleship.