January 18, 2026
Luke 18:18-23 ESV
And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
Discussion Questions:
1) When we carefully read this passage, we find it surprising. In response to the ruler’s question, we would expect Jesus to say “believe on me.” Instead, he points to the Law and to the giving up of everything. Why? Does this apply to just this individual?
2) Jesus says to “sell all that you have and distribute to the poor.” Everyone at the time understood this literally, why do we not take it literally?
Discussion Summary:
Jesus’ answer to the rich young ruler’s question served as an investigation into his heart condition. Only a humble heart can receive the kingdom (Luke 18:17). Jesus first pointed to the law which was intended to bring the Jewish nation to the correct heart sentiment to recognize their Messiah (Galatians 3:24). The ruler passed this test. The next command to give away his goods for the poor was a test to see if he had understood the spirit of the law and not just the letter (Isaiah 58:1,2,7,8). If the ruler was able to pass that test, he was then to “follow me.” Unfortunately, the ruler did not pass this test. His heart was not ready to turn from the earthly to the heavenly (Luke12:34). In other words, the question about the law and the command to give up his wealth were a parenthesis to the answer follow me and all that it entailed (John 6:27-29).
We note that all of the apostles had been given the simple command, “Follow me.” They did not need the implications of that invitation to be spelled out as this ruler obviously did. This was because their hearts were good ground that the seed of the gospel found root in.
Jesus addressed this ruler on his own terms. His questions were tailored to expose this man’s heart condition, but it has produced a great lesson that is necessary for all of his followers to understand.
This command to give all of your wealth to the poor was taken literally after Pentecost as we read in Acts 2:42-47. We read later in Acts 5:1-11 and in 6:1 that this communal arrangement was not without issue. As we continue to read in the New Testament we realize that this arrangement was no longer kept as Christians have homes and wealth that are used for others (Acts 16:14-15; I Corinthians 16:1-4; Philemon 2:2).
The brethren began to change their perspective on their wealth. No longer was it required for them to dispose of it at the beginning of their conversion. Instead it was a tool to be used throughout their life in the service of the Lord and the brethren (Matthew 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
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