How do I get to heaven?  What do I need to sell or give up? You want me to do what? This passage about the “rich, young, ruler” has us pondering these questions. But digging deep into what is asked and said, Jesus provides a dynamic response that should cause us to examine and reflect upon our lives and the motives for the things we do.

The initial question, ‘Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”’ appears to focus what things(s) we do for salvation. But Jesus’ response focuses on the “good” (good teacher) – and relates that only God is good – and therefore a response from Jesus is to hear the Word of God. But it also says that only God is good, we’re not, and the focus on gaining salvation only comes from WHO is good – God. The challenge for the young man is to examine his faith.

They examine the “law” – the young man from the thought of keeping commands from the common external fashion, but Jesus was bringing the challenge of the internal, the heart.  This young man was challenged by his possessions –  so get rid of them, sell them off, give to the poor. Jesus was giving him the example of where your heart is, there is your treasure. What “god” was possessing his heart. Our challenge in our walk is to “give up, rid” the things that control our lives, and go on the walk of faith with Christ as being our greatest possession, and in return, He will grant us eternal life.