Matthew 19:22

Sorrowful. Literally, “sorrowing,” or “grieving.” Great was his disappointment when he realized the sacrifice it involved. The eager joy with which he had run up to Jesus (see on v. 16) turned to gloom and sadness. The price of “eternal life” (v. 16), for which the young man came seeking, was higher than he was willing to pay.

Great possessions. His possessions constituted the most important thing in his life. They were his idol, and at this shrine he chose to pour out the adoration and devotion of his heart. It was to free him from the clutches of the god of riches that Jesus proposed that he sell all that he had. This was his only hope of heaven (see DA 520). He had great possessions, but without heavenly wisdom to administer them aright, he would find them to be a curse to him rather than a blessing. Eventually, he would lose even what he had (see on ch. 25:28-30).