A call to renunciation

                                                                      

1. Introduction: The young man’s question

In Matthew 19:16, we see a young man approaching Jesus with deep respect and a pressing question:

“Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

This request reveals his sincere desire for salvation—he was already keeping the commandments, but wanted to know what was still missing.

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2. First response: examine the heart

Jesus first challenges his approach, saying, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good.”
Then he points to the commandments of love, not to murder, not to commit adultery, to honor your father and mother, and to love your neighbor.

These instructions show that salvation involves right relationships both with God and with others.

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3. The radical call to renunciation

When the young man says he has kept all these, Jesus issues a challenge:

“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

This command highlights two truths:

• Material renunciation: detaching from possessions and comfort.

• Following Jesus personally, with full commitment—taking up your cross.

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4. The sadness of departure

The young man went away sad, unable to renounce his possessions.
Many commentators note how his wealth kept him from fully embracing the Kingdom.
Some teach that Jesus didn’t necessarily demand the literal sale of everything, but rather a heart willing to let go if needed.

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5. Practical applications for today

a) Acknowledging our own attachments

Like that young man, we often want to hold onto control. Attachments can involve money, status, relationships, or self-promotion.

b) Renunciation takes many forms

Renunciation might mean letting go of anything that steals our spiritual focus—excessive spending, social media obsession, addiction, harmful relationships.

c) An internal posture

We might not literally sell our possessions, but the key is being open to renounce anything that pulls us away from Jesus, if He calls us to.

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6. Conclusion: a call to the heart

• Jesus calls us to perfection, not for the sake of perfection itself, but for the sake of wholeness.

• True spiritual freedom requires us to detach—not necessarily from possessions, but from their sovereignty over our lives.

• We follow Jesus when we place Him above all our goods, dreams, and desires.

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Final reflection questions

• What is Jesus asking you to renounce today?

• Are you ready to say, “Here I am, Lord, to follow You”?

Ask God for the courage to let go of whatever hinders you, so you can embrace His calling freely and show the world that there is something or Someone greater than all we own.

Amen.