You’re missing something…
Preaching Outline on Luke 18:18-24 – And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, and that is God. You know the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother. And he said, “All these things I have observed from my youth.
Introduction to Luke 18:18-24
Often, we are so busy chasing after success, money, status or even trying to be “religious” that we end up losing sight of what is really worthwhile. In the Gospel of Luke 18:18-24, we find a powerful story about a rich young man who had it all – religiosity, good intentions and wealth – but still felt that something was missing. He came to Jesus with a sincere question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus not only answered his question, but also revealed what was really in this young man’s heart. And here’s the interesting thing: this conversation isn’t just for him. It’s for us too. What’s missing for you? What is that one thing that might be holding you back from living a full life with God? Today, we’re going to explore this passage and discover what it means to give up everything in order to truly follow Jesus.
Development
What he had: virtues that seemed enough
This rich young man was an impressive man. He had many qualities that anyone could admire:
- Hewas religious: He knew the rules of the law and claimed to have followed them since his youth. He knew the commandments and strove to fulfill each one. By the standards of the time, he was an example of someone who “did everything right”.
- Well-meaning: He didn’t come to Jesus with arrogance or indifference. On the contrary, he was sincere in asking: “Master, good master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He wanted to know how to guarantee his future in heaven.
- Rich and successful: He had everything that society values – money, status and financial security. He was young, full of energy and opportunities.
But here’s the important point: despite all these virtues, he still felt that something was missing. He thought that because he was religious and well-meaning, he was ready to enter heaven. But Jesus looked at him and saw something deeper – something he hadn’t yet surrendered.
What was missing: Total surrender
Jesus got straight to the point. He said to the young man: “You lack only one thing: sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me” (Luke 18:22). This answer made it clear that the young man’s problem wasn’t just materialism, but where his heart was anchored.
Let’s analyze what Jesus was saying:
- Certainty of salvation: The young man thought that following religious rules would guarantee his entry into heaven, but Jesus showed that salvation doesn’t come from works, but from a personal relationship with him.
- Setting priorities: He needed to decide who came first: his riches or Jesus? For him, riches were more important than giving up everything to follow Christ.
- Stuckon material things: The young man was materialistic because his heart was stuck on the possessions he had. He couldn’t imagine a life without them. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
For this young man, one thing was missing: to give himself completely to Jesus. He needed to exchange his temporal treasures for something much greater – an eternal treasure in heaven.
And for you? What’s missing?
Now, let’s reflect: what about you? What is missing from your life? Perhaps you have many virtues, like the rich young man. Maybe you’re religious, well-meaning and even successful. But is there something that is still holding you back? Something you haven’t yet handed over to Jesus?
- The Way: Jesus said in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If you haven’t yet decided to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, today may be the day to make that choice.
- The reward: What would the rich young man lose by giving up everything? In fact, he would gain much more. Jesus promised: “No one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my sake and the gospel’s will not receive a hundred times as much now in this age […] and in the world to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:30).
- Treasure in heaven: When we give our lives to Jesus, we are investing in something that never wears out, never rusts and is never stolen. As Matthew 6:19-20 says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Conclusion of Luke 18:18-24
The story of the rich young man teaches us a powerful lesson: no matter how much religiosity, good intentions or wealth you have, none of it can replace a total surrender to Jesus. He looked at that young man with love and offered him something far greater than any earthly treasure: a life of purpose, peace and eternity with God.
So I ask you again: what is missing in your life? What is the one thing that still holds you back from taking the next step with God? Don’t let your possessions, fears or distractions keep you from the greatest treasure there is – a living relationship with Jesus.
Remember: what he asks for in return is infinitely less than what he offers. By giving your life to Him, you’re not losing anything – you’re gaining everything. As Romans 8:32 says: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him freely give us all things?”
Today could be the day to say: “Jesus, I surrender everything. I follow you. You are my treasure.” Choose to follow the Way, receive the reward and invest in the only treasure that’s really worth it – eternal life with God.
The choice is yours.
Preaching Outline on Luke 18:18-24 – And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, and that is God. You know the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother. And he said, “All these things I have observed from my youth.
More Preaching Outlines
- Who is my neighbor? – Luke 10:25-29
- The ransom of the slave – Leviticus 25:47-50
- Jesus, the teacher of life – 1 John 2:25
