What does Matthew 19:22 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 19:22 tells the story of a young man who approaches Jesus and inquires about what actions are needed to achieve eternal life.

After being reminded of the commandments, which the young man claims to have devoutly followed, he then asks Jesus what he still lacks.

Jesus responds by telling him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and to follow Him, indicating a need for complete commitment and detachment from material wealth for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The verse captures the young man’s reaction: he departs in sorrow because he owns substantial wealth that he is unwilling to relinquish. This moment illustrates the difficulty of prioritizing spiritual richness over material wealth.

On a deeper level, the verse emphasizes the barrier that personal attachments and wealth can create in the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and discipleship. It’s a poignant reminder of the potential conflict between worldly possessions and the demands of following Christ.

Historical Context

The verse is set in first-century Judea, during Jesus' earthly ministry.

The society was marked by a stark divide between the rich and poor, and wealth was often associated with social status and power.

Following religious laws was considered critical, and the young man's claim of adherence to commandments would have marked him as a devout Jew.

However, Jesus' message invariably questioned the sufficiency of mere law-keeping and introduced the concept of radical sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom, a concept that would have been challenging to the ethos of the time.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might interpret this passage variably:

1. Prosperity Theology might suggest that the passage should not be taken as an indictment against wealth itself, but rather the young man’s attitude towards his possessions.
2. Liberation Theology would emphasize Jesus' preferential option for the poor and highlight this passage’s call for social justice and wealth redistribution.
3. Traditional Evangelical Theology often views this as a lesson on the potential idolatry of wealth and the need for complete surrender to God's will.
4. Catholic Social Teaching might focus on the principle of detachment from riches and the moral imperative to help the less fortunate.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can guide individuals to actively:

Assess personal attachments and the place material possessions hold in one's life. 2.

Cultivate generosity and willingness to share wealth with those in need. 3.

Consider the role of sacrifice and self-denial in religious and spiritual life. 4.

Reflect on the impermanence of worldly goods compared to eternal spiritual values.

Cross-References

• Mark 10:21-22: "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions."

• Luke 18:22-23: "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.

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich."

• 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

Language Study

The key word from the original Greek in this verse is "λυπούμενος" (lypoumenos), meaning "sorrowful" or "grieved." This word encompasses a deep emotional pain, implying that the choice confronting the young man affected him profoundly.

The phrase "ἦν γὰρ ἔχων κτήματα πολλά" (ēn gar echōn ktēmata polla) translates to "for he had great possessions," where "κτήματα" (ktēmata) signifies possessions or property and "πολλά" (polla) emphasizes their abundance or greatness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this narrative with other religious texts and myths, one might find parallels in teachings on detachment and the spiritual risks associated with wealth.

For example, in Buddhism, there is a concept called "Aparigraha," which suggests non-attachment to material things, mirroring the sentiment of this verse.

Similarly, many ancient philosophies, such as Stoicism, advocate for simplicity and focus on virtue over material wealth.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, psychological studies could be mentioned that explore the concept of materialism and its impact on subjective well-being.

Researchers often find that disproportionate value placed on possessions can detract from happiness and personal fulfillment.

Such studies may lend empirical support to the idea that excessive attachment to wealth can have negative implications for an individual's emotional and psychological state.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and religious experts often delve into the complexity of this verse.

For instance, William Barclay notes the tragedy of the young man's choice, emphasizing the bondage that wealth can create.

Matthew Henry discusses the inner conflict of the young man, torn between Christ and his possessions.

Such commentaries often highlight the sorrowful departure as a lost opportunity for spiritual redemption and a sobering example of the powerful hold that material goods can have on individuals.