Let generosity be your response to Jesus. Not because you have to—but because you get to.
Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler is more than just a story about wealth—it’s a direct challenge to your heart and priorities. When the young man asked how to inherit eternal life, Jesus pointed not just to moral living, but to full surrender. He told the man to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young ruler walked away, not because he didn’t understand, but because he wasn’t willing to let go of what he loved most: his wealth.
This moment highlights a truth that still applies today—generosity isn’t optional for followers of Jesus. It’s a clear sign of trust and discipleship. Whether you’re rich or not, Jesus calls you to hold your possessions loosely and follow Him fully. Ready to explore what that looks like in your everyday life? Keep reading for a deeper dive into this powerful encounter and what it means for you.
One of the most well-known moments in Jesus’ ministry is His encounter with the rich young ruler. It’s found in three of the Gospels—Matthew 19:16–22, Mark 10:17–27, and Luke 18:18–23—which means it’s something God clearly wanted us to pay attention to. It’s more than just a story about money. It’s a challenge to the heart, a test of priorities, and a direct call to generosity and discipleship.
Let’s walk through what happened and what it means for you today.
The Setup: A Sincere Question
“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” – Mark 10:17
A wealthy young man runs up to Jesus and kneels before Him. That alone tells us something. He wasn’t arrogant. He wasn’t mocking Jesus. He was serious and respectful. And he was asking the right question—how to get eternal life.
At first glance, you might think Jesus would respond with, “Believe in me and you’re saved.” But He didn’t—at least, not immediately.
Instead, Jesus told him to keep the commandments.
The Young Man’s Confidence
“All these I have kept since I was a boy,” the man replied. – Luke 18:21
The ruler claimed he had followed the commandments his whole life. He probably wasn’t lying. By religious standards, he was moral, disciplined, and likely admired in his community. But Jesus wasn’t impressed with external obedience.
He saw something deeper—something missing.
Jesus’ Challenge: Let Go and Follow
“One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Mark 10:21
This is the heart of the story.
Jesus lovingly pinpointed the man’s real issue: his wealth had his heart. Even though he was religious, his security wasn’t in God—it was in his possessions.
Notice three parts of Jesus’ command:
- Sell everything – That’s a radical call to surrender.
- Give to the poor – That’s a call to generosity and compassion.
- Follow me – That’s the ultimate invitation to discipleship.
This wasn’t just about money. It was about trust, identity, and allegiance. Jesus wanted his heart, not just good behavior.
The Rich Man’s Response: He Walked Away
“At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” – Mark 10:22
This might be the most tragic verse in the story. The young ruler came seeking eternal life, met Jesus face to face, heard the answer—and still walked away.
Why? Because he couldn’t let go of his wealth. His money owned him.
Jesus didn’t chase after him. He didn’t soften the message. That silence is sobering. Eternal life was right in front of him, and he turned it down.
What This Means for You
1. Generosity Is Not Optional
Jesus didn’t say, “Give if you feel like it.” He connected generosity directly to discipleship. You can’t follow Jesus and hoard your stuff. That doesn’t mean you have to sell everything, but it does mean your money has to be fully surrendered to God.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Ask yourself honestly: if Jesus asked you to give up everything, could you?
2. Obedience Isn’t Enough Without Surrender
The ruler obeyed all the commandments. But Jesus said he still lacked something. Why? Because following rules isn’t the same as following Jesus.
You can go to church, tithe, serve, and still be holding back. Jesus wants your whole heart.
3. Jesus Calls Us to Radically Reprioritize
Jesus flipped the script. He told a rich man to give to the poor, not out of guilt, but as a path to true treasure—eternal, heavenly treasure.
If you’re chasing wealth, comfort, or status, Jesus might be calling you to let those go—not because He wants to punish you, but because He has something better.
Real-Life Generosity: What It Looks Like Today
You might not be rich by the world’s standards. But if you live in the developed world, you probably have more than most.
Here are some practical ways to answer Jesus’ call to generosity:
- Tithe regularly – Not out of obligation, but joy and trust (Malachi 3:10).
- Support missions – Help spread the Gospel globally.
- Sponsor a child – Organizations like Compassion International or World Vision connect you with real kids in need.
- Meet needs locally – Pay a neighbor’s bill, support a single mom, feed the homeless.
- Live simply – Choose contentment over consumerism.
Generosity isn’t about the amount. It’s about the heart. Remember Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two small coins (Mark 12:41–44). She gave all she had. That’s the standard.
Why This Story Still Matters
Jesus wasn’t just having a conversation with one man. He was making a point that still applies today:
- You can’t serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).
- Eternal life costs something—it costs your whole life.
- True wealth isn’t what you own, it’s what you give away.
If you follow Jesus, expect Him to challenge your priorities. Not to shame you, but to free you. He doesn’t want your money—He wants your trust.
And here’s the good news: He promises treasure in heaven, joy in giving, and freedom from the anxiety of chasing more.
Final Thought
You don’t need to be rich to be ruled by money. And you don’t need to be poor to be generous. What matters is whether you’re willing to put Jesus above all else.
So ask yourself:
- What am I holding onto that Jesus wants me to release?
- Am I living generously, or just comfortably?
- If Jesus asked me to give it all away, could I say yes?
Remember, the rich young ruler had everything—but he missed the one thing that mattered. Don’t make the same mistake.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who was the rich young ruler in the Bible?
The rich young ruler was a wealthy, moral, and religious man who asked Jesus how to gain eternal life. His story appears in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18. - What did Jesus tell the rich young ruler to do?
Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This was a test of where his true devotion lay. - Why did the rich young ruler walk away sad?
He walked away because he wasn’t willing to give up his wealth. His money had a stronger hold on his heart than his desire to follow Jesus. - Is Jesus asking all Christians to sell everything?
Not necessarily. Jesus was addressing this specific man’s idol—his wealth. But He does call all believers to radical generosity and full surrender. - What does this story teach about generosity?
It teaches that generosity isn’t optional for Christians. True discipleship involves using your resources to serve others and trust God fully. - Is it wrong to be wealthy according to the Bible?
No, being wealthy isn’t a sin. But loving money more than God is. Jesus warns about how riches can become a barrier to faith (Matthew 6:24). - What does “treasure in heaven” mean?
It refers to eternal rewards—spiritual riches and joy in God’s presence—that come from living generously and faithfully on earth. - How can I start living more generously?
Start by giving regularly (like tithing), supporting those in need, simplifying your lifestyle, and being open to how God leads you to give. - What’s the difference between obedience and surrender?
Obedience is following rules; surrender is giving your whole heart. Jesus wants more than behavior—He wants your full trust and loyalty. - Why is this story relevant to me today?
Because we all have things we hold onto—money, comfort, control. Jesus still calls us to let go, trust Him, and live with open hands.
