“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 19:21 (KJV)
“Jesus told him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’– Matthew 19:21 (NLT)
“Jesus said, ‘If you want to give it all you’ve got, go sell your possessions, give everything to the poor, and come follow me.’– Matthew 19:21 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:21 Mean?
This verse from Matthew 19:21 is one of Jesus’ powerful teachings. He is addressing a young man who has come to him seeking eternal life. The young man asks what he must do to attain perfection or complete righteousness. Jesus’ response is challenging. He invites the young man to sell everything he owns, give to the poor, and follow Him. This invitation by Christ is not simply a call to give up material wealth, but rather a challenge to place complete trust and reliance upon God. By asking the young man to sell all his possessions, Jesus reveals that true discipleship requires prioritizing spiritual wealth over earthly wealth.
When we consider this passage, we notice that Jesus is not universally asking everyone to sell everything, but he is addressing the young man’s specific attachment to his riches. In essence, He is revealing the barriers that wealth often creates in our hearts and lives. Many people today struggle with placing things like money, status, and possessions above their relationship with God. Jesus is asking us to think about what is most important in our lives and what might be keeping us from fully following Him. The call is to recognize that following Him whole-heartedly might require considerable sacrifice.
In a way, He hints that we need to reassess our values and priorities. When Jesus talks about treasure in heaven, it emphasizes that while earthly possessions are temporary, the rewards of our commitment to Christ have eternal value. This verse serves as a reminder that God desires our hearts and our complete allegiance. We may even reflect on our own lives, asking ourselves what might be holding us back from fully following Jesus.
Matthew 19:21 Explanation and Commentary
In this section, we really need to unpack what it means to sell our possessions for the sake of following Christ. Jesus desires to teach us about what it means to be a true follower; the cost of discipleship is high. This is a central aspect of our relationship with God, reflecting on what we hold dear and cherish. Jesus emphasizes that if we are to become spiritually mature or perfect, we need to be willing to relinquish everything for Him. This decision reflects our values and priorities.
If we look at our material possessions and cling to them, we risk creating a false sense of security that can distract us from an authentic, committed relationship with Jesus. It’s easy to become attached to the comforts and securities that wealth can offer. However, losing sight of Jesus while accumulating wealth can move us away from our purpose. Jesus is essentially stating that true success is about spiritual richness rather than material abundance.
When we think about treasure in heaven, it refers to heavenly rewards that are eternal and far more glorious than earthly achievements. Jesus is offering a vision of spiritual fulfillment and purpose that transcends our material pursuits. It’s about living a life of significance, where our actions align with God’s will, demonstrating love and compassion towards those in need, clearly laid out in verses like 1 John 3:17, which states, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” This reflects the heart of Jesus’ message in Matthew 19:21.
Ultimately, it’s about the posture of our hearts. If we cherish material goods more than God, we may find ourselves hindered in our walk of faith. During our lives, God calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, demonstrating this love through our actions, including generosity. It’s a powerful reminder that eternity is worth far more than anything this world can offer. Jesus’ call to the young man challenges us to evaluate what we would be willing to sacrifice to experience deeper spiritual connection with Him.
Context of Matthew 19:21
To properly understand Matthew 19:21, examining its context in the broader narrative is vital. This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus is approached by a young man who has kept the commandments since his youth. He is seeking confirmation of his goodness and desires to know what more he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus lists several commandments that he acknowledges the young man has followed. However, Jesus sees the deeper issue in the young man’s heart.
This scenario is enlightening because it underscores the difference between outward obedience and internal transformation. The young man appears righteous in his actions, but Jesus probes deeper into his heart, revealing where his true attachment lies. It isn’t enough to follow commandments; God desires our hearts and our complete trust. In many ways, this narrative may challenge us to consider our motives and what we truly seek in life. Are we merely fulfilling religious obligations, or are we wholeheartedly devoted to following Christ?
The conversation emphasizes the transformative nature of following Jesus. When we are willing to surrender what we treasure the most, we place our allegiance in His hands, enabling personal growth and spiritual maturity. Jesus responds with compassion; He sees this young man’s potential for true discipleship if he can let go of his material possessions. It’s a moment that teaches us about sacrifice, love, and being intentional in following Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:21
Breaking down Matthew 19:21 reveals several critical elements that encourage reflection. The call to be perfect isn’t about achieving a flawless record; rather, it invites us to seek Christ more deeply. We notice that Jesus encourages the young man not simply to give up riches, but to follow Him afterward. This journey involves active participation in His mission, showcasing a life dedicated to serving God and others.
The use of the terms “sell” and “give to the poor” shows us that discipleship requires action. This teaching presses us to consider how we can practice generosity and be a blessing to those in need. Through giving, we reflect the heart of Christ, which calls us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities.
Additionally, the idea of “treasures in heaven” further enriches the meaning of this verse. It invites us to think about our priorities and how they align with God’s purposes. The choices we make impact our eternal reward. Jesus is essentially saying that we should invest our lives and resources in things that truly matter—loving God, loving others, and actively serving those in need.
By consuming our hearts with earthly pursuits, we miss out on the incredible opportunities to experience God’s love and grace. Surrendering our possessions enables us to view the world through a lens of love and generosity. We get to share Jesus with people and build His kingdom here on earth. This message resonates loudly in our society today where materialism often overshadows spiritual growth. We must always assess where our focus lies and how we respond to this call.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:21
Amidst the teachings of Matthew 19:21, we can pull various lessons that stretch beyond the context of the young man’s encounter with Jesus. The first key takeaway is the value of surrender. This surrender goes beyond finances and possessions; it includes our ambitions, desires, and even relationships. When we willingly submit these areas to God, we find renewed purpose. As stated in Philippians 2:3-4, we are called to act humbly, recognizing that others’ needs come before our own. This principle guides us in making decisions aligned with Christ’s heart.
Another lesson we can learn is the importance of active faith. Following Jesus requires action. It is not enough to simply believe; we must engage in acts of service. Acts 20:35 reminds us that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We should strive to be givers of our time, talents, and resources, reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. Investing in others not only blesses those around us, but our faith flourishes in the process.
Additionally, Matthew 19:21 teaches us about the concept of eternal perspectives. We are invited to shift our focus from temporary pleasures toward things of eternal significance. As our lives unfold, we can cultivate a mindset that aligns with the reward promised by Christ. Our struggles in giving up possessions and comfort ultimately lead to richer rewards—both in this life and the life to come. It prompts us to ponder what lasting legacy we want to leave behind, allowing us to become intentional in our daily choices.
In essence, Matthew 19:21 reminds us about the essence of discipleship: It’s about total devotion and a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. We are called to be light in the world, showcasing God’s transformative love for those around us. Each act of kindness can lead others to Jesus, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate reach. We can be agents of change through generosity, service, and love.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 19:21, it invites us to reassess our lives and what we hold dear. The call to follow Jesus is both beautiful and challenging, as it requires us to weigh what we prioritize. We may feel compelled to examine the areas of our lives where we struggle to surrender. May we allow Jesus to guide us in our journey of faith, recognizing that letting go of what holds us back leads us closer to Him.
It’s a reminder that following Jesus is about more than following rules; it’s about building a relationship steeped in love, generosity, and compassion. We are called to serve Him and share His love with others in tangible ways. As we cultivate a heart for sharing our resources and time, our faith deepens and flourishes in ways we could hardly imagine. Let us embrace the adventure of following Christ and serving those around us.
As we move forward, let us keep our eyes focused on the ultimate treasure: a life devoted to following Christ and reflecting His love in a world that desperately needs it. If you’re curious about other stories and lessons from the Bible, check out Genesis 18 for insights on hospitality or Matthew 11 for encouragement. Our exploration of God’s Word reveals the richness of His love and purpose for our lives.