Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 19:16-22

"And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions." — Matthew 19:16-22 (ASV)

Christ knew that covetousness was the sin which most easily beset this young man. Although he had obtained honestly what he possessed, he still could not cheerfully part with it, and by this his lack of sincerity was shown. Christ's promises make his precepts easy, and his yoke pleasant and very comfortable; yet this promise was as much a trial of the young man's faith as the precept was of his charity and contempt of the world.

It is required of us in following Christ that we duly attend his ordinances, strictly follow his pattern, and cheerfully submit to his will; and this from love to him, and in dependence on him. To sell all and give to the poor will not suffice; we are to follow Christ. The gospel is the only remedy for lost sinners. Many abstain from gross vices who do not attend to their obligations to God.

Thousands of instances of disobedience in thought, word, and deed are marked against them in the book of God. Thus many forsake Christ, loving this present world: they feel convictions and desires, but they depart sorrowful, perhaps trembling. We ought to examine ourselves in these matters, for the Lord will test us.