Matthew 19:21

Perfect. See on ch. 5:48. Jesus assumes that the young man really means what he says, or rather, what he implies in the question, “What lack I yet?” Perfection had been his ideal. But, as Paul points out, perfection cannot be achieved by works (see Gal. 2:21; Heb. 7:11). If, therefore, the young man would achieve perfection he must not expect to do so by performing works of merit. He must experience a complete change of heart and life. His mind must be transformed, his objectives changed.

Go and sell. In a character otherwise lovable (see Mark 10:21), one serious defect remained — selfishness. Unless the blighting influence of selfishness were removed, the rich young ruler could make no further progress toward perfection. The malady may vary from person to person, and the remedy may therefore vary also. When Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called to follow the Master, He did not ask them to sell their boats and fishing tackle, for the reason that these things did not stand in the way of their following Him. Nevertheless, when called, “they forsook all” in order that they might follow the Master (see on Luke 5:11).

Whatever a man loves more than he loves Christ, makes him unworthy of Christ (see on Matt. 10:37, 38). Even the most important earthly responsibilities take second place to following Christ in the pathway of discipleship (see on Luke 9:61, 62). Paul “suffered the loss of all things” in order to “win Christ” (see Phil. 3:7—10). To secure possession of the heavenly treasure or to purchase the pearl of great price (see on Matt. 13:44-46), a man must be ready to sell “all that he hath.” But this, the rich young ruler could not bring himself to do. Here was his cross, but he refused to bear it.

That thou hast. Literally, “your belongings.”

Treasure in heaven. For comment see on ch. 6:19-21. Jesus confronted the young man with the choice between earthly and heavenly treasure. But the young man wanted both, and upon making the discovery that he could not have both, “went away sorrowful” (ch. 19:22). The painful discovery that he could not serve both God and mammon (see on ch. 6:24) was too much for him.

Come and follow me. See on Luke 5:11.