Matthew 19:16

“Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

The Jewish religious leaders focused all their attention on trying to answer that question, “What must I do?” As I see it, both the Pharisees and Sadducees determined to answer this question, “What must I do?” The pharisees focused on obedience to the Law, the Sadducees focused on being good, charitable open-minded Jews.  Both assumed that we please God by doing good things that we hope God notices.

I hear my wise mother say, “If you ask a dumb question, you will get a dumb answer.” I think something like that is happening here.

If our question is, “What shall I do?” we are asking a question that, in a way, has no answer so we keep on striving to “do something.” The Gospel proclaims loudly, “It is done!” The dear person in front of Jesus did not know that.

So, this seeking rich person must have been confused if not shocked with Jesus’ answer, “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.” v 21

The “good thing” to do is to depend on the grace and mercy of God to save you because nothing you can do can earn salvation, a saving act that God alone can accomplish.

I cannot be reminded of this often enough – that I am saved by the atoning merits of Jesus. All my good works earn me nothing. The proper question is, “What did God do to save me?” not “what must I do to be saved?”