Prayer, Humility, and the Rich Young Ruler: Following Jesus with Empty Hands

Introduction: Seeking What Matters Most

Life is full of pursuits—success, security, relationships, and influence. But when people came to Jesus in Matthew 19, their needs were surprisingly similar: prayer for their children, eternal life, and lasting reward. This passage reminds us that true blessing isn’t found in possessions or status but in humility, faith, and a willingness to follow Christ with empty hands.

Children and Humility in the Kingdom

Parents brought their children to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples tried to push them away. Jesus corrected them: “Let the children come to me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

Children represent humility, dependence, and trust—the very qualities God requires for entrance into His kingdom. The parents who pressed through the disciples’ resistance demonstrated faith, showing us that prayer and persistence are vital in raising children and grandchildren for Christ.

Application: God honors humility. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or spiritual mentor, bring children to Jesus in prayer and by example.

Only God is Good

A rich young ruler came to Jesus asking, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do to have eternal life?” Jesus responded by questioning his words: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God.”

This was not a denial of His divinity but a challenge: Did the man recognize Jesus as God? The ruler was relying on his own goodness, but Scripture reminds us: “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Salvation is not earned through morality; it comes only by grace through faith.

Application: We must stop comparing ourselves to others and instead acknowledge that only God is truly good.

Keeping the Commandments Isn’t Enough

Jesus listed several commandments about loving others—do not murder, do not steal, honor your parents—but the ruler quickly replied, “All these I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”

Here lies the problem: outward obedience is not enough. The man thought goodness was measured by avoiding sin, but Jesus was about to reveal his deeper issue—idolatry.

The Test of Riches

Jesus told him: “Sell what you have, give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

This was not a general command for all believers to sell everything, but a heart test for this man. His wealth was his god. He walked away sorrowful because he loved possessions more than Christ.

Jesus then declared: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” Impossible for man, but possible with God.

Application: Wealth and comfort can blind us to our need for God. Following Jesus means loosening our grip on the temporary to receive the eternal.

Eternal Rewards for Following Christ

Peter asked, “We have left everything to follow you. What then will we have?” Jesus promised that those who sacrifice for His sake will receive a hundredfold—spiritual family, provision, and eternal life. But He also warned: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

This upside-down kingdom reminds us that status and possessions mean little to God. What matters is faithfulness, humility, and perseverance to the end.

Conclusion: Empty Hands, Full Heart

The rich young ruler went away sad because his hands were too full to receive what Jesus offered. Children came with nothing and were blessed. The disciples were learning that eternal reward requires surrender.

The invitation is the same for us: release what hinders, follow Jesus, and find joy that money can never buy. With God, the impossible becomes possible.