Money / Finances / Wealth, Salvation, Submitted / Servant

The Cost of Following Jesus: Surrendering What We Hold Most Dear (Luke 18:18-34)

What are you holding onto that is keeping you from fully following Jesus?

In the story of the rich young ruler, Jesus challenges us to examine our priorities and invites us to surrender all for the sake of the kingdom.

Key Verse: “When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.” – Luke 18:23 (NIV)

Background Context: In Luke 18:18-34, a wealthy young ruler approaches Jesus with a sincere question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds by pointing to the commandments, which the young man claims to have kept from his youth. But when Jesus asks him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him, the young man becomes sorrowful because of his great wealth. Jesus uses this moment to teach about the dangers of wealth and the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Yet, He also offers hope, reminding us that what is impossible for people is possible with God. Peter then asks about the sacrifices the disciples have made, and Jesus assures them that those who leave everything for the kingdom will receive much more, both in this life and in the age to come.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 18:18-34

The Rich Young Ruler

     18A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 20“You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’” 21And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 22When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! 25“For 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.” 26They who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”

      28Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You.” 29And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.”

Reflection on Luke 18:18-34:

  • The Rich Young Ruler’s Question: The young ruler approaches Jesus with what seems to be an admirable question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18). He appears to be seeking God and living according to the commandments. Yet, Jesus challenges the ruler not only to follow the letter of the law but to go deeper, into his heart. The ruler was doing all the right things outwardly, but Jesus knew that his attachment to wealth was holding him back from fully surrendering to God. This challenges us to examine what we might be holding onto, even if we are outwardly following God. Is there something in your life that you are clinging to, preventing you from completely trusting and following Jesus?
  • The Call to Radical Surrender: Jesus’ response to the young ruler is shocking: “Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22). This is not a general command for all believers to give away all their possessions, but it was a specific challenge for this young man whose heart was attached to his wealth. Jesus wanted to show him that eternal life cannot be earned by doing good deeds or following the commandments alone; it requires a total surrender to God. Jesus asks each of us to surrender whatever is holding us back from fully following Him. For some, it may be wealth, but for others, it may be control, relationships, or pride. What is Jesus asking you to surrender today?
  • The Dangers of Wealth: After the young ruler walks away sad, Jesus reflects on how difficult it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:24-25). Wealth, in itself, is not evil, but it can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency. It can distract us from our need for God and make it harder to surrender our lives to Him. Jesus uses a vivid metaphor: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom. This teaches us that wealth can become a spiritual barrier, blinding us to our need for God. We must be vigilant in ensuring that our possessions do not possess us.
  • What Is Impossible With People Is Possible With God: When the disciples hear Jesus’ words, they are shocked: “Who then can be saved?” (Luke 18:26). Jesus’ answer is full of grace: “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). This reminds us that salvation is not something we can achieve on our own. It is not about our works, our status, or our wealth—it is about God’s grace. No matter how difficult or impossible it may seem for someone to surrender everything and follow Jesus, God makes it possible through His transformative power. This gives us hope: even if we struggle to let go of things in our lives, God can give us the strength to do what seems impossible.
  • The Promise of Greater Reward: Peter, reflecting on the sacrifices the disciples have made, asks Jesus about their reward. Jesus responds with a beautiful promise: “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much in this time, and in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 18:29-30). Jesus assures us that whatever we give up for His sake will be rewarded—not only in eternity but even in this life. When we surrender our earthly attachments, God replaces them with spiritual blessings, deeper relationships, and a greater sense of purpose. He is faithful to provide for us when we put His kingdom first.

Summary Key Points:

  • Radical Surrender: Following Jesus requires more than outward obedience; it requires the surrender of anything that competes for our loyalty to Him.
  • Wealth Can Be a Barrier: Wealth, while not evil, can create a false sense of security that hinders our dependence on God. We must be careful not to let wealth or possessions take priority over our relationship with God.
  • God’s Power to Save: While it may seem impossible for people to fully surrender and follow Jesus, God makes it possible. Salvation is a work of God’s grace, not something we earn by our own efforts.
  • The Reward of Following Jesus: Jesus promises that those who sacrifice for His kingdom will receive far greater blessings, both in this life and in the age to come. Eternal life is the ultimate reward for those who follow Him.

Application: Take a moment to reflect on what Jesus may be asking you to surrender. Is there something—wealth, control, a relationship, or something else—that is holding you back from fully following Him? Pray and ask God to reveal any areas of your life that need to be surrendered to Him. Trust that what seems impossible for you to give up, God will give you the strength to do. Remember His promise that whatever we give up for His sake will be returned to us in ways we cannot imagine, both now and in eternity.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the reminder that following Jesus requires us to surrender all that holds us back. Reveal to us any areas of our lives where we are clinging to things instead of fully trusting in You. Help us to let go of anything that competes for our loyalty, and give us the grace to follow You with wholehearted devotion. Remind us of Your promise that whatever we sacrifice for Your kingdom will be returned to us in greater ways. Strengthen us to trust in Your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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