16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “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.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:16–22 (ESV)
“Although Matthew is very indefinite with respect to the time when the event recorded in 19:16–30 occurred, the parallel account in Mark (see 10:16, 17) leaves the distinct impression that it took place immediately—at least very soon—after the bestowal of a blessing upon the little children. If so, then Christ’s views on marriage, children, and material possessions follow each other in a sequence that commends itself as being very logical.” – Dr. William Hendriksen
What is known about this individual who came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Today’s text reveals the following information.
First, he was a man (vs. 16). This may seem pretty obvious from the text, but the ancient culture should not be ignored. As a man, he enjoyed many rights and privileges women did not possess, let alone enjoy.
Second, he was a young man (vs.20, 22). The word young (νεανίσκος; neaniskos) means a youth. He was beyond puberty, but unmarried. He was young and single.
Third, he was rich. The text says he had great possessions (vs.22). The word great (πολύς; polus) means a great deal of, or many. What he had a great deal of were possessions (κτῆμα; ktema). This refers to property. A property owner then, and now, was perceived to have great wealth by being a property owner.
Fourth, he was discerning (vs. 20). In spite of all his worldly advantages, he perceived that he still lacked what was necessary to inherit eternal life. His discernment not only revealed what he lacked, but also who to approach with the answers to his dilemma (vs.16).
Finally, he was an individual who possessed initiative. He came to Jesus (vs. 16). The man wanted to know what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. He was ready, willing and able to do what was necessary to solve this heartfelt question.
“He was rich (Matt. 19:22), that is, in earthly material possessions. He was young (Matt. 19:20), probably not more than forty years of age, perhaps much younger (see 1 Tim. 4:12). He was prominent (Luke 18:18), being called “a ruler,” probably one of the officials in charge of the local synagogue (Matt. 9:18), a man of high reputation. This was true all the more because he was clean (Matt. 19:20), a man of excellent outward behavior, a virtuous individual. He was keen, eager. He had a problem on his heart and mind. He had not found that which would put his soul at rest. Being anxious to solve that problem he “ran up” to Jesus (Mark 10:17). Finally, he was reverent, shown by the fact that he “knelt before” Jesus, as the reference in Mark’s Gospel indicates,” explains Dr. Hendriksen.
Are you sure of your eternal destiny? Do you know that you possess eternal life? When next we meet, we’ll begin to examine the text in greater detail.
Soli deo Gloria!
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