Matthew 19:16-29
He knew he lacked something, but he didn't know what it was so he came to Jesus, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Jesus told him that if he wanted to enter life, he must obey the commandments. The man was curious which commandments so Jesus listed them, "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 19:19). The rich man must have been checking the commandments off as Jesus spoke. "Yes, I've done that and that and..." But he was curious; he still felt like he lacked something. "All these things I have kept? What do I still lack?" (Matthew 19:21). Jesus responded, "If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me" (Matthew 19:21).
Jesus finally answered the ruler's question, and he was not happy with the result. "When the young man heard this he was very sad because he had great wealth" (Matthew 19:22). He knew he was lacking something. He wanted change. No doubt, he wanted depth in his spiritual life, but to get what he wanted was too hard, so he left sad.
Most of us do not fit the exact picture of the ruler. We are not particularly wealthy or even have that much power, but other things come in the way: old grudges, fears, self-dependence, pride, lust.
What do I lack? is a question I want to wrestle with over and over. I want to know what my wealth is. I want to know what holds me back from fully serving God.
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