Luke 18:22

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Now {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} these things {G5023}, he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Yet {G2089} lackest {G3007} thou {G4671} one {G1520} thing: sell {G4453} all {G3956} that {G3745} thou hast {G2192}, and {G2532} distribute {G1239} unto the poor {G4434}, and {G2532} thou shalt have {G2192} treasure {G2344} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}: and {G2532} come {G1204}, follow {G190} me {G3427}.

On hearing this Yeshua said to him, “There is one thing you still lack. Sell whatever you have, distribute the proceeds to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me!”

On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

And when Jesus heard it, he said unto him, One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Commentary

Luke 18:22 is a pivotal moment in the well-known encounter between Jesus and a rich young ruler, illustrating the radical demands of true discipleship.

Context

This verse immediately follows the rich young ruler's assertion that he had kept all the commandments from his youth (Luke 18:21). The ruler, a man of significant wealth and standing, had approached Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. After reviewing the commandments, Jesus identifies the one critical obstacle preventing the ruler from fully embracing the Kingdom of God, a challenge that goes against the common Jewish belief that wealth was a sign of divine favor.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Idolatry of Wealth: Jesus' command to "sell all that thou hast" directly confronts the ruler's greatest attachment. For this man, wealth was not just a possession but had become an idol, hindering his ability to truly follow God. This highlights how anything that takes precedence over God in our hearts can become an obstacle to serving Him fully.
  • Radical Discipleship and Surrender: Jesus' call to "come, follow me" is an invitation to radical, wholehearted commitment. It implies a willingness to detach from worldly security and trust entirely in God's provision. This isn't a universal command for all believers to sell everything, but rather a specific diagnosis for this individual, revealing the depth of surrender required for genuine discipleship.
  • Treasure in Heaven: The promise, "thou shalt have treasure in heaven," offers a profound contrast to earthly riches. Jesus encourages a shift in focus from temporal accumulation to eternal reward. This heavenly treasure is far more valuable and enduring than any earthly possession, aligning with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-21 about laying up treasures where moth and rust do not corrupt.
  • Compassion for the Poor: The instruction to "distribute unto the poor" underscores the ethical dimension of wealth in God's kingdom. True love for God is inseparable from love for neighbor, especially the vulnerable. This command challenges the ruler's self-centered accumulation and calls him to active generosity and social responsibility, echoing the spirit of early Christian communities (Acts 2:45).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Yet lackest thou one thing" (Greek: eti hen soi leipei) emphasizes a single, critical missing element in the ruler's otherwise commendable life. It suggests that despite his outward adherence to the law, his heart was not fully yielded. The command "follow me" (Greek: akolouthei moi) is a common call to discipleship in the Gospels, implying not just belief but active, ongoing participation in Jesus' mission and lifestyle, often requiring personal sacrifice (Luke 9:23).

Reflection and Application

Luke 18:22 challenges every believer to examine their own lives for any "one thing" that might be holding them back from complete surrender to Jesus. It prompts us to consider what we value most and whether our priorities align with God's Kingdom. While not everyone is called to literal poverty, the principle of detachment from worldly things and a willingness to prioritize Christ above all possessions remains timeless. This verse encourages us to embrace generosity, trust in God for our future, and commit to following Jesus with an undivided heart, knowing that true wealth is found in knowing Him and storing up treasure in heaven.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 12:33 (9 votes)

    Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

  • 1 Timothy 6:18 (8 votes)

    That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

  • 1 Timothy 6:19 (8 votes)

    Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

  • Matthew 19:21 (8 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 6:19 (7 votes)

    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

  • Matthew 6:20 (7 votes)

    But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

  • Luke 16:9 (4 votes)

    And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.