The Cost of Following
“All these I have kept,” said the young man. “What do I still lack?” Matthew 19:20 · Berean Standard Bible
The young man says, 'I've kept all of these. What am I still missing?'
He's done everything on the list but still feels like something is off. That honesty is important.
The young man is being genuine — he's kept the rules but knows something is still lacking.
He's followed all the rules and still feels empty. That restlessness is actually a gift — it means he's close to the truth.
The young man claims full compliance with all the listed commandments (panta tauta ephylaxa) and asks 'What do I still lack?' (ti eti hysterō) — revealing an awareness that something is still missing.
His honest self-assessment and lingering dissatisfaction suggest genuine spiritual hunger beneath his outward obedience.
The young man responds confidently but with a telling admission that he senses incompleteness.
The man's answer reveals both his moral seriousness and his spiritual restlessness — he has obeyed much but found no peace.
18“Which ones?” the man asked.
19honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’”
20“All these I have kept,” said the young man. “What do I still lack?”
21Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
22When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.
Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.
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