What is the meaning of Luke 18:18-30?

Luke 18:18-30 presents a compelling narrative known as the story of the Rich Young Ruler. This passage is often discussed for its profound theological and ethical implications. It reads:

A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:18-30, NIV)

This passage begins with a ruler approaching Jesus with a question that reveals his spiritual concern: "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" This question is significant because it reflects a common human desire for assurance of eternal security. Jesus' response, however, is both direct and profound.

Jesus first addresses the ruler's use of the term "good." By stating, "No one is good—except God alone," Jesus is not denying His own goodness but rather pointing the ruler to the ultimate source of goodness, which is God. This sets the stage for a deeper understanding of righteousness and the nature of God.

Jesus then points the ruler to the commandments, specifically citing those that relate to ethical behavior towards others: "You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother." These commandments are part of the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, which form a foundational ethical code in Judeo-Christian tradition.

The ruler responds confidently, "All these I have kept since I was a boy." This response reveals his adherence to the Law, yet it also sets the stage for Jesus to challenge him further. Jesus tells him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." This statement is pivotal. Jesus is not merely giving the ruler another commandment to follow; He is inviting him to a radical transformation of life priorities.

The ruler's sadness upon hearing Jesus' directive reveals the depth of his attachment to his wealth. This moment highlights a central theme in Jesus' teaching: the danger of wealth as an obstacle to entering the Kingdom of God. Jesus famously states, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."

The imagery of a camel passing through the eye of a needle is hyperbolic, meant to illustrate the near impossibility of the task. This hyperbole serves to underscore the difficulty that wealth poses in achieving true spiritual freedom and dependence on God. Wealth, in this context, is not merely material riches but represents any form of attachment that hinders one's complete devotion to God.

The disciples' reaction, "Who then can be saved?" reflects their astonishment and concern. If a wealthy and seemingly righteous man finds it difficult to enter the Kingdom, what hope is there for others? Jesus' response, "What is impossible with man is possible with God," shifts the focus from human effort to divine grace. Salvation is not something that can be earned through human means but is a gift from God, achievable only through His power and mercy.

Peter then speaks up, reminding Jesus that the disciples have left everything to follow Him. Jesus acknowledges this sacrifice and assures them that their commitment will not go unrewarded. He promises that those who have left their homes and families for the sake of the Kingdom will receive manifold blessings in this age and, more importantly, eternal life in the age to come.

This passage, therefore, serves as a profound teaching on several levels:

1. The Nature of Goodness and Righteousness: Jesus redirects the ruler's understanding of goodness from human achievement to divine nature. True goodness is found in God alone, and human righteousness falls short without divine grace.

2. The Challenge of Wealth: Wealth can be a significant hindrance to spiritual growth and devotion. Jesus' directive to sell everything and give to the poor is not a universal command for all believers but a specific challenge to this ruler, revealing the particular obstacle in his life. It serves as a broader principle that anything we hold dearer than God can impede our spiritual journey.

3. The Impossibility of Self-Salvation: The disciples' question and Jesus' answer highlight the futility of relying on human effort for salvation. What is impossible for man is possible with God, emphasizing the necessity of divine intervention and grace for salvation.

4. The Rewards of Discipleship: Jesus reassures His disciples that their sacrifices are not in vain. The promise of manifold blessings and eternal life serves as an encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ, even when it requires significant personal sacrifice.

This passage calls believers to examine their own lives and attachments. It challenges us to consider what we might be holding onto that prevents us from fully following Jesus. It also offers hope, reminding us that while the demands of discipleship are great, the rewards are infinitely greater, both in this life and in the life to come.

In summary, Luke 18:18-30 is a rich and multifaceted passage that addresses the nature of goodness, the challenge of wealth, the impossibility of self-salvation, and the rewards of discipleship. It invites believers to a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and to trust in God's grace for their salvation.