Matthew 19 “What Do I Lack?”

Now behold one came to Him and said, “Good master, what good thing shall I do to have eternal life?” (v. 16)

Here in chapter 19 we find Jesus counseling a rich young ruler. Throughout this young man's life he has tried to do the good thing, the right thing to his fellow man. And yet, he is conscious that there is a void in his life, and that there must be something more than just living a good life and being wealthy, to gain eternal life (v. 20). So he asked Jesus, "What do I lack?"

Jesus then answered his question by telling him to leave his wealth behind, to come and follow Him, and he would have treasure in heaven (v. 21). Now when the young rich man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had a great many possessions (v. 22). Then said Jesus turned unto his disciples and said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (v 24).

This response by Jesus has been misunderstood by many and was never intended to be a universal commandment. It was a statement meant for the rich young ruler only, to expose the one thing that was holding him back from eternal life, his wealth. Jesus was indicating that it is impossible to buy or work your way into heaven. No man by any good work can inherit eternal live. It is a gift of God, and it is only brought by a miracle of God working in our hearts and lives through His Spirit, and not bought with wealth or works.

Therefore, what is impossible with man, is possible with God (v. 26). And, like all men, he had a choice. So what did the rich young ruler lack? The desire to follow Jesus, for He is the way to eternal life, and there is no real life apart from Him.

The Truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6)