How Can the Rich Be Saved?

Listen to our friend Johnny tell how Jesus responded to the rich man’s quest for eternal life.

A young man from the rich ruling class came to Jesus and asked a question, "What should I do to have eternal life?" Perhaps the question seemed straightforward to the crowd, but Jesus knew his heart and motivations. Jesus referenced commandments a Jewish man would have kept, and the young man arrogantly implied that he had kept the law perfectly since his youth. Jesus then addressed the last commandment, the one about coveting. He presented the young man to make a decision, “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.” (Luke 18:22b NCV) Sadly, the rich man couldn’t let go of his wealth.

Notice that Jesus didn’t ask the man to give his money to Jesus’ ministry. Instead, he called the rich man to radical discipleship, starting with giving to the poor. He could have followed Jesus, but reliance on money rather than on Jesus is tempting, isn’t it?

Jesus warned that it is difficult for the rich to be saved. Though this man was physically rich, he was spiritually poor. The man did not understand that his salvation—his true prosperity—was not based on his wealth, his position, or even keeping the commandments. Jesus pointed out that a person couldn't earn eternal life. Only by God’s grace can we receive eternal life with God (Eph 2:8–9). Our true prosperity is an undeserved gift.