But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the ruler wasn't just sad about leaving Jesus; he was sorrowful because he was so rich. This wasn't a mild regret, but a deep grief stemming from the immense value he placed on his possessions, revealing that his wealth had become a barrier to the treasure Christ offered.
But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just encountered a wealthy young ruler who claims to have kept all the commandments since his youth. Jesus, seeing his sincerity and yet also his attachment to his possessions, challenges him to sell everything he owns, give to the poor, and then follow Him. Hearing this radical demand, the ruler’s hopeful inquiry turns to deep sadness because his immense wealth held him captive.
This rich ruler came asking how to do something to earn eternal life. What does Jesus’ response reveal about God’s standard for righteousness?
Jesus' initial response to the ruler, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone," is profound. It's not just a theological statement about Jesus' divinity, but a corrective. The ruler is seeking to establish his own merit, to do something good to earn eternal life.
Jesus points him to the Law, specifically the commandments. This wasn't to suggest the ruler could perfectly keep them and earn salvation, but to reveal the standard God requires: perfect obedience. The Law highlights our need, showing that no one can meet God's perfect standard on their own.
Jesus then adds the command to sell all and follow Him. This wasn't an arbitrary addition but a diagnostic test. It exposed the ruler's true master: his wealth. The Law, when understood, condemns all sin, including the subtle sin of idolatry where anything, even good things like wealth, takes God’s rightful place.
He followed the rules, but still felt something was missing. What broke his heart when Jesus gave him the final piece of the puzzle?
The young ruler was outwardly religious and seemingly obeyed the commandments from his youth. He prided himself on his adherence to the Law. However, Jesus’ challenge to sell everything revealed a deeper issue: his heart was not fully devoted to God.
His profound sadness ('very sorrowful,' 'grieved') wasn't just disappointment; it was the pain of a soul realizing the true cost of discipleship and choosing not to pay it. He was faced with an either/or: eternal treasure or earthly possessions. His extreme wealth became the obstacle, the 'one thing' he lacked was the willingness to let go of his security and follow Jesus completely.
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This is often called 'the great refusal.' It highlights how deeply ingrained our attachments can become. What we hold onto most tightly, even if it's not inherently sinful, can become an idol that separates us from God's best.
This encounter highlights a common human struggle: the conflict between spiritual devotion and material wealth, a tension present throughout history and in various cultural contexts.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
During this period, Jesus traveled and taught, attracting disciples and encountering various individuals with differing responses to his message.
c. 27-30 AD
Encounter with the Rich Young Ruler
Jesus engages in a pivotal conversation with a wealthy, respected young man who seeks eternal life, leading to Jesus' challenging call to sell all possessions and follow Him.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Arrest and Crucifixion
Despite the crowds and followers, Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and crucified in Jerusalem, marking the culmination of his earthly ministry.
c. 30 AD
The Resurrection and Ascension
Following Jesus' death, his disciples witness his resurrection, a transformative event that solidifies their faith and commission.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Spread of Christianity
The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, begin to preach Jesus' message, leading to the rapid growth of the early church.
This passage directly parallels the event, emphasizing the young man's sorrow and his departure, highlighting how his great possessions became the obstacle to following Jesus.
Mark 10:22Mark's account adds the detail that the man's face grew gloomy at Jesus' words, vividly illustrating the internal conflict and sadness caused by the demand to forsake his wealth.
Philippians 3:7-9Paul's testimony here offers a powerful contrast, showing a willingness to count all things loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, a complete reversal of the rich ruler's decision.
1 Timothy 6:10This verse directly addresses the danger of the love of money, which is identified as the root issue that caused the rich ruler's sorrow and refusal to follow Jesus.
Luke 19:1-10The story of Zacchaeus provides a beautiful counterpoint, demonstrating a rich man who, when encountered by Jesus, willingly gave away his wealth and experienced salvation, showing that true riches are found in Christ.
calvinLuke 18:18-23: "And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
- And, lo, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17. Who said to him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but God alone? [614] but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18. He saith to him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not…
vincentLuke 18:23: "And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich."
He was very sorrowfulRev., more correctly renders ἐγενήθη, he became. See on Mark 10:22.Very rich.The Greek order forms a climax: "rich exceedingly"
The verse highlights that the ruler wasn't just sad about leaving Jesus; he was sorrowful because he was so rich. This wasn't a mild regret, but a deep grief stemming from the immense value he placed on his possessions, revealing that his wealth had become a barrier to the treasure Christ offered.
Jesus has just encountered a wealthy young ruler who claims to have kept all the commandments since his youth. Jesus, seeing his sincerity and yet also his attachment to his possessions, challenges him to sell everything he owns, give to the poor, and then follow Him. Hearing this radical demand, the ruler’s hopeful inquiry turns to deep sadness because his immense wealth held him captive.
Jesus has just encountered a wealthy young ruler who claims to have kept all the commandments since his youth. Jesus, seeing his sincerity and yet also his attachment to his possessions, challenges him to sell everything he owns, give to the poor, and then follow Him. Hearing this radical demand, the ruler’s hopeful inquiry turns to deep sadness because his immense wealth held him captive.
"But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich." — The verse highlights that the ruler wasn't just sad about leaving Jesus; he was sorrowful because he was so rich. This wasn't a mild regret, but a deep grief stemming from the immense value he plac…
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Last reviewed October 2026