New Testament
Luke 18:22
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When Jesus heard this, he told him, "There's still one thing you're missing. Sell everything you own and give the money to the poor. You'll have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me."
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Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
What Luke 18:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus speaks to a wealthy young man who has followed the commandments but still feels something is lacking in his life. Jesus identifies that the young man's attachment to his possessions is holding him back from fully committing to a life of discipleship. By instructing him to sell everything and give to the poor, Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. The promise of 'treasure in heaven' highlights the eternal rewards of selflessness and generosity. This call to action is not just about giving away money; it’s about a radical shift in priorities, where following Jesus takes precedence over earthly possessions. The young man’s struggle reflects a common challenge many face: the difficulty of letting go of material security for a deeper spiritual fulfillment. Jesus invites him to a transformative journey that requires faith and sacrifice, ultimately leading to a more profound relationship with God.
How to apply Luke 18:22 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own attachments to material possessions. Consider what you might need to let go of in order to follow Jesus more closely. Acts of generosity can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18–30)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 18:22
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 18:22 mean?
Luke 18:22 describes Jesus telling a wealthy young man that to fully follow Him, he must sell all his possessions and give to the poor. This highlights the need to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth.
What is the significance of selling everything in Luke 18:22?
Selling everything in Luke 18:22 signifies a radical commitment to discipleship. It illustrates the idea that true following of Jesus may require letting go of material attachments to gain spiritual fulfillment.
What does 'treasure in heaven' mean in Luke 18:22?
The phrase 'treasure in heaven' in Luke 18:22 refers to the eternal rewards and spiritual blessings that come from selflessness and generosity, contrasting with temporary earthly possessions.
Why did Jesus ask the young man to give to the poor in Luke 18:22?
Jesus asked the young man to give to the poor to demonstrate that true discipleship involves caring for others and prioritizing their needs over personal wealth.
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