Matthew 19:21
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just tell the young man to sell his possessions; He uses this as a test to reveal the true idol in his life. The command to "follow me" is not merely an invitation to discipleship, but the ultimate expression of prioritizing God above all earthly treasures.
A wealthy young man, who identifies as a devout follower of the law, approaches Jesus asking how he can gain eternal life. After Jesus reminds him of the commandments and the young man claims to have kept them, Jesus lovingly challenges him to sell everything he owns, give it to the poor, and then follow Him, revealing that the man's attachment to his wealth is the one thing preventing his spiritual completeness.
What does Jesus mean by 'perfect'? Is it about never messing up, or something else entirely? This verse challenges our ideas about spiritual maturity.
When Jesus tells the rich young man, "If you would be perfect," he's not talking about being flawless or sinless. The Greek word for "perfect" here means complete, lacking nothing, fully developed. Think of it like a finished puzzle – all the pieces are there, in their right place.
This isn't about achieving a sinless state on our own. Even great figures like Job, who was called 'blameless and upright,' were later corrected by God. True perfection, in this context, means having all the essential parts of faith and obedience in balance. It's about letting God's principles fully shape every area of your life, not just the parts that are easy.
The rich young man thought he had it all figured out. But Jesus saw a hidden struggle. What is truly at the center of your desires?
Jesus saw that the young man's adherence to the law, while outwardly impressive, was missing a crucial element: a love for God that superseded his love for his possessions. When Jesus said, "Sell what you have and give to the poor," he wasn't just suggesting a charitable act; he was probing the young man's deepest loyalty.
This command was a direct test. If the young man truly loved God more than his wealth, he would be willing to relinquish it for God's kingdom. His possessions, while honestly gained, had become a barrier, an idol that prevented him from fully embracing God's call. The real issue wasn't poverty, but the grip his wealth had on his heart.
It's easy to admire Jesus, but what does it truly mean to 'follow' Him? This verse reveals it's more than just agreement; it's a complete life change.
The climax of Jesus' response isn't just selling possessions; it's the command, "come, follow me." This call to follow Jesus was radical. It meant leaving behind familiar lives, occupations, and even family ties to become a constant companion and learner.
Understand the original words
teleios · Greek Adjective
The state of being complete, mature, or lacking nothing in terms of spiritual character and devotion to God. It refers to the goal of the believer's life in Christ, characterized by total commitment and holiness.
hyparchonta · Greek Noun
Material wealth, belongings, or property that a person owns. In a biblical context, it often refers to things that can become idols and hinder a person from absolute reliance upon God.
ptōchois · Greek Noun
Those who are destitute, lacking basic needs, or socially marginalized. Scripture consistently emphasizes God's concern for them and commands His people to show them compassion and generosity.
thēsauron · Greek Noun
This passage directly echoes Jesus' instruction to 'sell your possessions and give to charity,' reinforcing the idea of prioritizing heavenly treasures over earthly wealth.
Philippians 3:7-8Paul's declaration of counting all things loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ parallels the young man's costly decision to follow Jesus and abandon his riches.
1 Timothy 6:17-19This passage warns against the dangers of wealth and encourages generosity, highlighting the spiritual danger of riches that Matthew 19:21 addresses directly.
Acts 4:32-35The early church's communal living and selling possessions to meet the needs of all demonstrates a practical outworking of the spirit behind Jesus' command to the rich young ruler.
barnesMatthew 19:21: "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."
If thou wilt be perfect - The word "perfect" means complete in all its parts, finished, having no part wanting. Thus a watch is perfect or complete when it has all its proper wheels, and hands, and casements in order. Job was said to be perfect (see the notes at Job 1:1), not that he was sinless, for he is afterward repr…
calvinMatthew 19:16-22: "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have 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…
Jesus doesn't just tell the young man to sell his possessions; He uses this as a test to reveal the true idol in his life. The command to "follow me" is not merely an invitation to discipleship, but the ultimate expression of prioritizing God above all earthly treasures.
A wealthy young man, who identifies as a devout follower of the law, approaches Jesus asking how he can gain eternal life. After Jesus reminds him of the commandments and the young man claims to have kept them, Jesus lovingly challenges him to sell everything he owns, give it to the poor, and then follow Him, revealing that the man's attachment to his wealth is the one thing preventing his spiritual completeness.
A wealthy young man, who identifies as a devout follower of the law, approaches Jesus asking how he can gain eternal life. After Jesus reminds him of the commandments and the young man claims to have kept them, Jesus lovingly challenges him to sell everything he owns, give it to the poor, and then follow Him, revealing that the man's attachment to his wealth is the one thing preventing his spiritual completeness.
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For the apostles, this meant literally going wherever Jesus went, learning from Him daily, and being equipped to spread His message. It also implied embracing a life of hardship and potential suffering, as Mark's Gospel notes, 'take up the cross.' This wasn't about seeking poverty for its own sake, but about total devotion to Jesus, prioritizing His kingdom above all earthly comforts and securities.
Spiritual riches or eternal rewards laid up in the presence of God. This transcends earthly material value, focusing on the inheritance and life promised to those who follow Christ.
akolouthei · Greek Verb
The act of discipleship, involving total devotion, obedience, and alignment with the life and teachings of Jesus. It implies leaving behind former allegiances to walk in His way.
"Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”" — Jesus doesn't just tell the young man to sell his possessions; He uses this as a test to reveal the true idol in his life. The command to "follow me" is not merely an invitation to discipleship, bu…
