Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 19:22

"But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions." — Matthew 19:22 (ASV)

He could not go the whole length of his own plan. He wanted to be saved by works, yet he would not carry out his works to the full extent of the law’s demand. He failed to observe the spirit of both the second and the first table. He did not love his poor brother as himself. He did not love God in Christ Jesus with all his heart and soul. He thought himself first, but he soon stood behind the last, for he went away sorrowful.

In this way, the Savior tests character. That which glittered so much is not found to be gold. This man’s great possessions so possessed him that he never possessed his own soul.