Few biblical passages unsettle accomplished people (myself included) more than Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler. Found in three Gospels: Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18—this story reads like a divine disruption of our notions of success, morality, and reward.

For many of us—especially professionals, entrepreneurs, or those who’ve worked hard to build a better life, this passage is difficult. A young man, wealthy and devout, approaches Jesus with a noble-sounding question:

“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17, ESV)

From the outside looking in, he’s doing everything right. He’s the Israelite version of a well-rounded, religious, successful young adult. Yet Jesus doesn’t applaud his discipline or devotion. Instead, He gently yet firmly uncovers a deep misalignment in the man’s heart.

What the Text Meant Then

The man calls Jesus “Good Teacher,” a rare title at the time. But Jesus replies, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone” (v. 18). This isn’t Jesus denying His divinity. It’s a rhetorical move. In Jewish tradition, “good” was a title reserved for God. Jesus is essentially asking, “Do you understand who you’re talking to?”

Then, Jesus lists several commandments—specifically from the second tablet of the Decalogue (Exodus 20), focusing on human relationships: no murder, no adultery, no theft, honor parents, etc. Interestingly, Jesus omits the commandments related to loving God above all.

Why? Because that’s exactly where the young man falls short.

When the man claims to have kept all these since his youth (v. 20), Jesus responds with love—but also with challenge:

“You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (v. 21)

This was not a generic command for all believers to liquidate their assets. It was tailored. Jesus put His finger on the very thing this man valued more than God—his wealth.

And the man walked away sorrowful (v. 22), not because he didn’t understand—but because he did. He wanted eternal life on his own terms. He wanted heaven without surrender. He wanted reward without lordship.

What the Text Means for Us Now

We often read this story and assume it’s about money. It’s not. It’s about idolatry. Wealth, in this man’s case, was the obstacle. For others, it could be career, relationships, pride, or even religion.

This text challenges us to ask:

What am I unwilling to give up to follow Jesus fully?

For many in our generation—especially here in the Philippines, where growing middle-class aspirations are tied to security and status, this is a crucial question. Like the rich young ruler, we may be faithful churchgoers, generous tithers, moral citizens. But is Jesus truly Lord of our lives?

Jesus’ metaphor drives the point home:

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (v. 25)

In the ancient world, a camel was the largest animal in Palestine. The “eye of a needle” was proverbially the smallest opening. This isn’t hyperbole for shock value—it’s theological truth. No human effort, no amount of money, morality, or merit can earn entrance into the kingdom of God.

That’s why the disciples were “exceedingly astonished” (v. 26). If someone like this rich, righteous young man can’t be saved, who can?

Jesus answers plainly:

“With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (v. 27)

This is the gospel. Salvation is not about what we do for God… it’s about what God has done for us through Christ.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER: We Want the Right Destination for the Wrong Reason

Let’s be honest. Sometimes we want eternal life not because we love God, but because we’re afraid of death. Or we want heaven because life here is already good and we don’t want it to end. In those moments, we’re no different from the young man who saw eternal life as the “ultimate upgrade.”

But Jesus reorients our pursuit. When He says, “No one is good except God alone,” He’s not just correcting theology. He’s redirecting affection. Eternal life is not the goal—God is.

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
—John 17:3, ESV

Heaven is not great because it’s pain-free or sin-free. Heaven is great because God is there.

APPLICATION: What Do We Do With This?

1. Examine what you treasure most.
   Like the rich young man, we may have something we’re holding on to. Identify what that is. Money? Security? Achievement? Even ministry?
2. Reevaluate your view of salvation.
   Are you trying to earn God’s favor? Do you assume your good behavior or religious devotion secures your place in heaven?
3. Refocus your pursuit.
   Eternal life is not just a destination. It’s a relationship. Are you pursuing Jesus—or just what He can give?
4. Rely fully on grace.
   “With man it is impossible, but not with God.” Don’t rely on your own merit. Lean wholly on the grace of Christ.

A Brotherly Reminder…

Don’t pursue the wrong good thing. The rich young ruler wanted life without the Lord. We often do the same.

But real life, the eternal kind—is found in knowing and loving the only One who is good. And that is God.

He is the treasure. Not the blessings. Not the reward. Not even eternal life.
He is what makes all of those things good.