Matthew 19:20
“The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”
Context:This verse is part of a conversation between Jesus and a rich young man who approached Him with a question about eternal life. To understand the significance of this verse, it’s helpful to examine the broader context. In the preceding verses (Matthew 19:16-19), the young man asked Jesus what good thing he must do to obtain eternal life. Jesus responded by telling him to keep the commandments.
In Matthew 19:20, the young man confidently declares that he has kept all the commandments since his youth. However, despite his self-proclaimed righteousness, he senses that something is still missing in his pursuit of eternal life. Hence, he asks Jesus, “What lack I yet?”
This encounter provides important insights into several aspects of our Christian walk. Let’s explore them:
Human Effort vs. God’s Standard:The young man’s response reveals a common tendency to rely on personal accomplishments and good works to earn salvation. He believed that his observance of the commandments was sufficient. However, Jesus later points out that there is more to it than mere rule-keeping (Matthew 19:21).
Recognizing Our Need:The young man’s question, “What lack I yet?” demonstrates a recognition of his own inadequacy. Despite his external righteousness, he realizes that something deeper is required to obtain eternal life. This acknowledgment of his insufficiency opens the door for Jesus to reveal a higher standard.
Surrender and Sacrifice:In Jesus’ subsequent response, He instructs the young man to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him (Matthew 19:21). This reveals the young man’s attachment to his worldly wealth and highlights the importance of surrendering everything to follow Christ. It illustrates the principle of sacrificial discipleship, where we let go of earthly treasures to embrace the eternal treasures found in Jesus.
Heart Examination:The young man’s question challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations. Are we too relying on our own achievements or possessions for our sense of righteousness or security? Do we recognize our need for Jesus in every aspect of our lives?
Overall, Matthew 19:20 serves as a reminder that external religious practices or good works alone cannot earn us salvation. It highlights the necessity of surrendering our lives completely to Jesus, acknowledging our inadequacy, and relying on Him for true righteousness and eternal life.
As you continue your study of God’s Word, I encourage you to explore the following verses in Matthew 19:21-30, which provide further insights into this interaction and the broader context of Jesus’ teachings on discipleship and eternal life.
