One thing you lack - Tasi le mea e te lē o maua

Scripture Focus: Luka 18:18-43

A certain ruler asked him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asked him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one—God. You know the commandments: ‘Don’t commit adultery,’ ‘Don’t murder,’ ‘Don’t steal,’ ‘Don’t give false testimony,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” He said, “I have observed all these things from my youth up.” When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich. Jesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Peter said, “Look, we have left everything, and followed you.” He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the Kingdom of God’s sake, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life.” He took the twelve aside, and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed. For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on. They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.” They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn’t understand the things that were said. As he came near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road, begging. Hearing a multitude going by, he asked what this meant. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. He cried out, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him, that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!” Standing still, Jesus commanded him to be brought to him. When he had come near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do?” He said, “Lord, that I may see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, praised God.
- Luke 18:18-43 (WEB)

Study:

In this passage, Jesus encounters a rich ruler who earnestly seeks eternal life. The ruler claims to have kept all the commandments since his youth, yet Jesus reveals that he still lacks one thing: surrendering his possessions and following Him fully. This challenges the ruler’s attachment to wealth and exposes the difficulty riches pose to entering God's kingdom. Jesus uses the metaphor of a camel passing through a needle's eye to illustrate this impossibility with human means, but affirms that salvation remains possible with God. Later, a blind man demonstrates true faith, calling out persistently for mercy, and Jesus heals him, showing that faith and dependence on Christ—not status or riches—are key to receiving God's blessings.

Application:

Today, we are reminded to examine what might be holding us back from fully following Jesus. Like the rich ruler, we may be faithful in many ways but still lacking complete trust or surrender. Material possessions, comfort, or pride can hinder our relationship with God. The blind man’s example encourages us to persist in faith and seek Jesus’ mercy boldly. We must be willing to prioritize God above all else, trusting that He will provide and reward our commitment both now and eternally.

Reflection Questions:

• What is one thing in my life that I may be holding onto instead of surrendering to God?
• How do I respond when Jesus challenges me to give up comfort or possessions for His sake?
• In what ways can I demonstrate persistent faith like the blind man?
• Do I truly believe that what is impossible for man is possible with God?
• How can I follow Jesus more closely today?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to recognize the areas in my life where I am lacking full surrender to You. Give me the courage to lay down my possessions, pride, and comfort, and to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Increase my faith like the blind man who trusted entirely in Your mercy. Teach me to rely on Your power, knowing that with You all things are possible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: rich ruler, faith, surrender, Jesus, eternal life, Kingdom of God, Luke 18, riches and salvation, biblical study, Christian reflection, persistence in faith, Bible study blog