What Must I do to Inherit Eternal Life?

Ed McClanahan

Matthew 19:16

A man whom the Bible does not name asked Jesus this question. Jesus makes a couple of comments, and then responds with the man’s need to keep the commandments. The man then asks which ones, to which Jesus begins to name a few. “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” The man then gives a rather startling response. “All these I have kept since I was a boy” he said. 

Now, we know that this response wasn’t even close to true. This man was a sinner like the rest of us! He likely hadn’t kept the named commandments for forty-eight hours, let alone the period of time he was claiming. I’ve often wondered why Jesus didn’t call him out on this assertion immediately. Perhaps it was because he had a greater point to make.

We know that Jesus followed with the instruction that the man sell all he had and give it to the poor, and then come and follow him. We know that the man went away sad because he had great wealth, and presumably, wanted nothing to do with this directive. Jesus then tells his disciples that it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter God’s kingdom. The disciples are perplexed and ask Jesus if anyone is worthy. Then comes the best part of the story. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I’m sure glad, because I’m no different than that unnamed man! I could easily pick the wrong path, and choose money or any of the other improper desires of my heart. I cannot be saved except by the grace of God. What a privilege and a blessing!