Preaching Outline on Luke 18:18-24 – And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, and that is God. You know the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother. And he said, “All these things I have observed from my youth.
Often, we are so busy chasing after success, money, status or even trying to be “religious” that we end up losing sight of what is really worthwhile. In the Gospel of Luke 18:18-24, we find a powerful story about a rich young man who had it all – religiosity, good intentions and wealth – but still felt that something was missing. He came to Jesus with a sincere question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus not only answered his question, but also revealed what was really in this young man’s heart. And here’s the interesting thing: this conversation isn’t just for him. It’s for us too. What’s missing for you? What is that one thing that might be holding you back from living a full life with God? Today, we’re going to explore this passage and discover what it means to give up everything in order to truly follow Jesus.
This rich young man was an impressive man. He had many qualities that anyone could admire:
But here’s the important point: despite all these virtues, he still felt that something was missing. He thought that because he was religious and well-meaning, he was ready to enter heaven. But Jesus looked at him and saw something deeper – something he hadn’t yet surrendered.
Jesus got straight to the point. He said to the young man: “You lack only one thing: sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me” (Luke 18:22). This answer made it clear that the young man’s problem wasn’t just materialism, but where his heart was anchored.
Let’s analyze what Jesus was saying:
For this young man, one thing was missing: to give himself completely to Jesus. He needed to exchange his temporal treasures for something much greater – an eternal treasure in heaven.
Now, let’s reflect: what about you? What is missing from your life? Perhaps you have many virtues, like the rich young man. Maybe you’re religious, well-meaning and even successful. But is there something that is still holding you back? Something you haven’t yet handed over to Jesus?
The story of the rich young man teaches us a powerful lesson: no matter how much religiosity, good intentions or wealth you have, none of it can replace a total surrender to Jesus. He looked at that young man with love and offered him something far greater than any earthly treasure: a life of purpose, peace and eternity with God.
So I ask you again: what is missing in your life? What is the one thing that still holds you back from taking the next step with God? Don’t let your possessions, fears or distractions keep you from the greatest treasure there is – a living relationship with Jesus.
Remember: what he asks for in return is infinitely less than what he offers. By giving your life to Him, you’re not losing anything – you’re gaining everything. As Romans 8:32 says: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him freely give us all things?”
Today could be the day to say: “Jesus, I surrender everything. I follow you. You are my treasure.” Choose to follow the Way, receive the reward and invest in the only treasure that’s really worth it – eternal life with God.
The choice is yours.
Preaching Outline on Luke 18:18-24 – And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, and that is God. You know the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother. And he said, “All these things I have observed from my youth.