What does Luke 18:18-30 mean?

¹⁸ And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? ¹⁹ And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. ²⁰ Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. ²¹ And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. ²² Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. ²³ And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

²⁴ And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁵ For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ²⁶ And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? ²⁷ And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. ²⁸ Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. ²⁹ And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, ³⁰ Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (Luke 18:18-30 KJV)

The Rich Ruler

In these verses, we have Christ’s discourse with a ruler who sincerely wanted to be guided by Him in the way to heaven.

1. It is a blessed sight to see people of high status stand out among their peers because of their concern for their souls and eternal life. Luke notes that he was a ruler. Few rulers respected Christ, but here was one who did. Whether he was a religious or civic leader is not clear, but he held authority.
2. The most important question we all need to ask is what we must do to inherit eternal life. This implies belief in life after death, a concern to secure it, and a willingness to meet any conditions required for it—things that atheists and the worldly do not share.
3. Those who seek eternal life must come to Jesus as their teacher and master. There is no learning the way to heaven except in Christ’s school, by those who enroll and remain in it.
4. Whoever comes to Christ as their Master must believe not only in His divine mission but also in His divine goodness. Christ wanted this ruler to realize that in calling Him good, he was essentially calling Him God—and he was right to do so (Luke 18:19): “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Christ did not deny His own goodness but prompted the man to consider what that meant.
5. Christ has not changed the way to heaven but has made it clearer and more comforting and has provided help for those who stumble. “You know the commandments.” He did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill and reinforce it. If you want eternal life, live by God’s commandments.
6. Obedience to the second table of the law—our duties toward others—must be practiced faithfully. Acts of devotion do not compensate for the neglect of these commands. It’s not enough to avoid blatant violations; we must keep these commandments as Christ explained them in their full spiritual meaning.
7. Many think they are innocent simply because they are unaware of their faults—just like this ruler, who said, “All these I have kept since I was a boy” (Luke 18:21). He thought he had always done right. But if he had understood the spiritual depth of the law and known his own heart, he would have said the opposite: “All these I have broken from my youth in thought, word, and deed.”
8. Our spiritual condition is tested by how we relate to Christ, to others, to this world, and to the next. (1) If we truly love Christ, we will follow Him, listen to His teachings, and obey Him—whatever it costs. (2) If we love others, we will help the poor, who are God’s appointed recipients of our generosity. (3) If we view this world rightly, we won’t hesitate to part with our possessions when necessary for the sake of God’s work. (4) If we value eternal life as we should, we will desire treasure in heaven and see that as sufficient reward for anything we give up on earth.
9. Some people have many admirable qualities, yet still fall short because of one thing—just like this ruler. He agreed with everything Christ said until it touched his wealth. Then he backed out: “In this, I pray you, have me excused.” That condition broke the deal for him.
10. Some are reluctant to leave Christ but still do. After struggling between conviction and worldly desires, the latter win. Though sorry they can’t serve both God and money, they choose money.

Christ’s discussion with His disciples on this occasion also reveals key lessons.

1. Riches are a major hindrance to many people on their path to heaven. Jesus noticed the sorrow with which the rich man left Him and remarked, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24). If this man had less, like Peter and the others, he might have followed Christ, but his wealth held him back. Jesus emphasized this difficulty with a vivid proverb: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25). That means it’s extremely difficult.
2. People naturally cling to the things of this world. Since Christ requires detachment from it for salvation, it’s hard for anyone to be saved. The disciples didn’t challenge Jesus’ requirement but were overwhelmed by how hard it is to separate most people from their attachment to earthly things (Luke 18:26).
3. Salvation is filled with challenges that human effort alone cannot overcome. Only God’s omnipotent grace can make it possible. “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). God’s grace changes hearts, turns people from the world to Himself, and enables both the will and the deed.
4. We’re often too quick to talk about what we’ve given up or done for Christ. Peter said, “We have left all to follow you” (Luke 18:28). Instead of boasting, we should be humble, recognizing that it wasn’t even worth mentioning and being ashamed if there was any hesitation or regret.
5. Whatever we have given up or sacrificed for Christ will be fully repaid, both now and in eternity (Luke 18:29-30). Those who give up earthly comforts or relationships for the kingdom of God will receive far more in return—in spiritual joy, peace of conscience, and fellowship with God. And beyond this life, they will receive eternal life, which is what the ruler claimed to seek.