MATTHEW 19:16–22, THE RICH YOUNG MAN
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP AND THE FREEDOM OF TOTAL TRUST IN GOD
Introduction
As Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem, individuals approach Him with deeply personal questions about life and salvation. Following the blessing of the children—who embody trust and dependence—a wealthy young man comes forward with sincerity and moral seriousness. His question, however, reveals a tension at the heart of discipleship: the desire for eternal life alongside attachment to earthly security. Jesus responds by leading him step by step—from commandments, to perfection, to a radical invitation to follow. This encounter exposes the subtle power of possessions over the human heart and reveals that eternal life is not merely achieved by doing good deeds, but by total surrender to God.
Bible Passage (Matthew 19:16–22)
Someone approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Background
This passage fits into a larger section where Jesus clarifies the demands of the Kingdom of Heaven. After affirming the dignity of children and the sanctity of marriage, Jesus now addresses personal attachment and moral striving. The young man represents sincere believers who are faithful to the law yet sense that something is missing. Jesus does not abolish the commandments; rather, He reveals their fulfillment in discipleship. The movement of the text is deliberate: from law, to love, to total self-gift.
Opening Life Connection
Many people today live morally upright lives, fulfill religious obligations, and sincerely desire God, yet still feel restless or unfulfilled. Careers, possessions, status, and comfort promise security, but often leave an inner emptiness. Like the rich young man, people ask, “What more do I need?” This Gospel speaks directly to that quiet dissatisfaction and challenges believers to examine what they cling to for meaning and security.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“What good must I do to gain eternal life?”
The young man approaches Jesus with sincerity, but his question frames eternal life as something earned by performance rather than received as a gift.
“There is only One who is good”
Jesus redirects the focus from human effort to God Himself. True goodness flows from relationship with God, not from moral self-sufficiency.
“If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments”
Jesus affirms the commandments as the foundation of moral life. Obedience matters and forms the necessary groundwork for discipleship.
“All of these I have observed”
The young man’s claim is not arrogance but honesty. Yet his question reveals an inner awareness that external observance alone is not enough.
“What do I still lack?”
This is the turning point. The question expresses spiritual hunger and openness—but also fear of what the answer may require.
“If you wish to be perfect”
Perfection here means completeness, wholeness in love. Jesus invites the young man beyond obligation into total self-giving.
“Go, sell what you have and give to the poor”
Jesus touches the young man’s deepest attachment. Wealth itself is not condemned, but attachment to it becomes a barrier to freedom.
“Then come, follow me”
This is the heart of the invitation. Eternal life is found not in possessions or achievements, but in relationship with Christ.
“He went away sad”
Sadness reveals the cost of divided hearts. The young man desires eternal life, but not at the price of surrender.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
In Jewish thought, wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s blessing. Observance of the law was considered the path to righteousness. Jesus challenges this assumption by revealing that attachment—even to blessings—can hinder full communion with God. His call echoes the prophets, who repeatedly warned against trusting riches rather than the Lord.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that the commandments are essential, but holiness reaches its fullness in charity and detachment. Evangelical poverty, whether lived literally or in spirit, frees the heart for God. This passage also underlies the Church’s understanding of vocations, especially religious life, where following Christ involves radical renunciation for the sake of the Kingdom.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Francis of Assisi heard this Gospel proclaimed and took it literally. He renounced wealth, embraced poverty, and followed Christ with joy. What the rich young man could not release, Francis surrendered—and found freedom and lasting joy.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel invites believers to examine what they hold onto that prevents deeper discipleship: wealth, comfort, reputation, control, or fear. While not all are called to sell everything, all are called to interior detachment and generous concern for the poor. The question Jesus asks each person is not, “Are you good enough?” but “Are you willing to follow me completely?”
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ gives Himself entirely, holding nothing back. Those who receive Him are invited to the same self-gift. Nourished by His Body and Blood, believers receive the grace to loosen their grip on possessions and to follow Christ with freedom and trust.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Recognize eternal life as a gift rooted in relationship with God
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Allow God to reveal what still “lacks” in your discipleship
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Practice detachment from possessions and false securities
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Respond generously to the needs of the poor
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Choose joyful surrender over sad compromise
Outline for Preachers
• Gospel context within Jesus’ journey
• Life connection: moral living and inner restlessness
• Key phrases and progression of the dialogue
• Jewish view of wealth and righteousness
• Catholic teaching on commandments, perfection, and poverty
• Saintly witness of radical discipleship
• Application to personal and communal life
• Eucharistic connection
• Key messages and call to conversion
