Matthew 19:21

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”

This verse is part of a conversation between Jesus and a rich young man who approached Him seeking eternal life. The young man asked Jesus what good thing he needed to do to inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:16). In response, Jesus pointed him to the commandments, specifically mentioning those related to not committing murder, adultery, stealing, bearing false witness, honoring parents, and loving your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 19:18-19).

The young man confidently stated that he had kept all these commandments from his youth (Matthew 19:20). Jesus, seeing the young man’s attachment to his possessions, then gave him a specific instruction in Matthew 19:21.

Striving for Perfection:Jesus begins by saying, “If thou wilt be perfect.” The word “perfect” here signifies spiritual maturity or completeness. Jesus recognised that the young man had a sincere desire for eternal life, and He pointed out that true perfection comes from following Him.

Surrendering Material Possessions:Jesus instructs the young man to sell his possessions and give to the poor. This instruction revealed the young man’s attachment to worldly wealth. Jesus wanted to challenge the man’s heart and reveal what truly mattered to him. By asking him to give away his possessions, Jesus was testing whether the young man would be willing to put God above his material wealth.

Treasure in Heaven:Jesus promises that if the young man were to follow His instructions and give up his possessions, he would have “treasure in heaven.” This emphasises the eternal and lasting value of investing in the kingdom of God rather than earthly possessions. Jesus was teaching that true wealth is found in heavenly rewards rather than temporary earthly riches.

Following Jesus:Jesus concludes His instruction by saying, “and come and follow me.” This statement goes beyond mere charitable acts or giving up possessions. It emphasises the need for wholehearted commitment and discipleship. Jesus wanted the young man to prioritise a personal relationship with Him above all else.

This passage teaches us the importance of evaluating our priorities and attachments. It reminds us that following Jesus requires surrendering our desires, including material possessions, and embracing a life of selflessness and obedience. The challenge is not for everyone to sell everything they own, but rather to examine our hearts and be willing to let go of anything that hinders our devotion to Christ and our willingness to serve others.

It’s essential to study this passage in its broader context and consider other biblical principles on wealth, possessions, and the call to discipleship. This verse is part of a larger narrative that highlights the challenges of wealth and the blessings of following Jesus.