The Cost of Following Jesus

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-22 (WEBBE)

16 Behold, one came to him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
17 He said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18 He said to him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony.
19 Honor your father and mother. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
20 The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?”
21 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.”
22 But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions.

Reflection:

This passage narrates the encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man who seeks to understand how he can attain eternal life. His question, while earnest, reveals deeper insights into the nature of true discipleship and the cost of following Jesus.

1. The Quest for Eternal Life:

The young man’s question, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16), reflects a genuine desire for spiritual fulfillment. He is looking for a concrete action or achievement that will secure his place in eternity. Jesus’ response directs him towards the commandments, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life as a foundation for eternal life.

This question is one that many of us grapple with in our spiritual journeys. We often seek a simple formula or checklist for salvation, hoping that our actions alone can guarantee our place in heaven. However, Jesus’ response challenges us to look beyond mere rule-keeping to the deeper heart of discipleship.

2. The Commandments and Their Depth:

Jesus lists several commandments, including prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and the call to honor one’s parents and love one’s neighbor (Matthew 19:18-19). These commandments are crucial for living a life that reflects God’s righteousness. The young man responds that he has observed these commandments from his youth, indicating his adherence to these moral guidelines.

However, Jesus’ response reveals that mere adherence to the commandments is not enough for entering into the fullness of life He offers. True righteousness is not just about following rules but about aligning one’s heart and priorities with God’s will.

3. The Call to Radical Discipleship:

Jesus challenges the young man further by inviting him to a higher level of commitment: “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” (Matthew 19:21). This call to sell possessions and give to the poor is not a blanket requirement for all believers but highlights the specific issue in this young man’s life—his attachment to wealth.

Jesus’ invitation to “come, follow me” underscores the necessity of placing Him above all else. True discipleship requires a willingness to let go of anything that stands in the way of a complete and wholehearted following of Jesus. For the young man, his possessions were a barrier to embracing the radical and transformative life that Jesus offers.

4. The Cost of Discipleship:

The young man’s response, “he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions” (Matthew 19:22), reveals the difficulty of making such a sacrifice. His sorrow reflects the deep conflict between his desire for eternal life and his attachment to his wealth. This moment illustrates the challenge of discipleship—being willing to surrender whatever hinders our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus’ teachings here remind us that following Him may require significant personal sacrifice. It calls us to evaluate what we hold dear and be willing to surrender it if it stands in the way of our relationship with Him.

5. The Promise of Treasure in Heaven:

Despite the challenge, Jesus promises that those who follow Him with a wholehearted commitment will find treasure in heaven (Matthew 19:21). The promise of eternal reward is a reflection of the greater joy and fulfillment that comes from aligning our lives with God’s purposes.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for challenging us to examine our hearts and our priorities. Help us to understand what it means to truly follow You, even when it requires sacrifice. Give us the strength to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with You and to embrace the life You offer. May we find our treasure in You and trust in the promise of eternal life. Teach us to value You above all else and to live out our discipleship with joy and commitment. Amen.

Contemplation:

Take a moment to reflect on what might be holding you back from fully following Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to let go or surrender? Ask God to reveal these areas and to give you the courage to make the necessary changes. Consider what it means for you to embrace radical discipleship and how you can seek the treasure that Jesus promises in heaven. Spend time in prayer, asking for God’s guidance and strength as you seek to align your life with His will.