What Did Jesus Tell Him to Do?
Introduction
The question “What did Jesus tell him to do?” refers to one of the most well-known encounters in the Gospels between Jesus and a rich young man, often called the Rich Young Ruler. This powerful moment appears in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the Bible. It reveals deep spiritual truth about faith, possessions, and what it truly means to follow Jesus.
In this encounter, the young man comes to Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus responds with a challenging instruction that goes beyond simple rules—it tests the man’s heart, priorities, and willingness to surrender everything for God.
The Question the Young Man Asked
Before Jesus gave His instruction, the young man asked:
“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
He believed that eternal life could be achieved by doing something good or following religious rules. However, Jesus used this opportunity to teach that salvation is not just about actions but about the heart.
What Jesus Told Him to Do
Jesus gave the young man a clear but difficult command. According to the Gospel account, Jesus told him:
1. Keep the Commandments
Jesus first reminded him of God’s commandments:
- Do not murder
- Do not commit adultery
- Do not steal
- Do not lie
- Honor your father and mother
- Love your neighbor as yourself
The young man replied that he had kept all these since childhood. However, Jesus saw something deeper in his heart.
2. Sell All His Possessions
Jesus then gave a life-changing instruction:
“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor.”
This was not just about money. It was about removing the one thing that had control over the man’s heart—his wealth.
Key lessons from this command:
- Wealth can become a spiritual barrier
- True faith requires surrender
- Generosity is a sign of spiritual freedom
Jesus was exposing that the young man’s riches had become his true master.
3. Give to the Poor
Jesus also told him to give the money to the poor. This shows:
- Compassion is central to God’s kingdom
- Faith must produce action
- Blessings are meant to be shared
The instruction highlights that following Jesus includes caring for those in need, not just personal spiritual achievement.
4. Follow Me
The final and most important command was:
“Then come, follow Me.”
This invitation meant:
- Leave your old life behind
- Walk in daily relationship with Jesus
- Trust Him completely
Jesus was offering something greater than wealth—eternal treasure and a life of purpose.
The Young Man’s Reaction
The Bible says the young man became very sad and went away because he had great wealth. He could not let go of his possessions.
This reaction shows:
- He loved his riches more than spiritual truth
- He was unwilling to surrender fully
- Eternal life requires total commitment
Spiritual Meaning of Jesus’ Instructions
The message is not just about money. It carries deeper spiritual meaning:
1. God Wants Our Whole Heart
Jesus was teaching that nothing should come before God—not money, status, or comfort.
2. True Wealth is Spiritual
Earthly riches are temporary, but spiritual treasures last forever.
3. Following Jesus Requires Sacrifice
Discipleship is not easy; it requires letting go of anything that controls us.
4. Eternal Life is a Gift, Not Earned
Jesus was showing that eternal life cannot be “earned” by rules but received through full devotion to God.
Key Lessons from This Story
- Possessions should never replace God in our lives
- Faith requires obedience and surrender
- Jesus calls people to a personal relationship, not just religion
- Eternal life is more valuable than worldly success
- True discipleship involves sacrifice and trust
Why This Teaching Matters Today
Even today, this message remains powerful. People often struggle with:
- Attachment to money
- Desire for material success
- Fear of giving up comfort
- Difficulty trusting God fully
Jesus’ words challenge believers to examine their priorities and ask:
“What is holding my heart back from fully following God?”
Conclusion
When asked what to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus told the young man to obey God’s commandments, sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This instruction was not just about actions—it was about surrendering the heart completely to God.
The story teaches that eternal life is not found in wealth, status, or human effort, but in wholehearted devotion to God and a life of faithful following.