Luke 18:18-33
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” – Luke 18:22
Click to read passage
Before we look at Luke 18, let’s first reflect on Numbers 9–10. Back then, the Israelites were living in the wilderness. They had no map and no fixed itinerary. Each day they watched for one thing: whether the cloud moved. “Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out” (Num 9:17). Their daily rhythm was centred on God’s presence, not their own plans.
Now in Luke 18, we meet a ruler who is also described as a rich young man. He asks Jesus an important question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18).
He doesn’t look like a bad person. He has kept the commandments since his youth. He is sincere and spiritually interested. But when Jesus says, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22, ESV), he becomes very sad and walks away.
Jesus exposes the idol in his heart. This man measures himself by performance—doing the right things, doing enough. But his real security is his wealth. Jesus invites him to follow, yet he cannot let go.
His “riches” are not only money; they represent whatever he relies on for security. In many ways, we are just like him. For us today, these “riches” might be:
* job stability and income
* our children’s results and future
* housing loans, savings, retirement plans
* what others think of us
* a respectable Christian image
None of these things are wrong. But when they become our source of security, they begin to control us. We may pray, yet deep down we trust our own control more. We come to church, yet what truly gives us joy or anxiety is our bank balance or our children’s report cards.
This is where the season of Lent is meaningful: we learn to let go of certain things so that Christ becomes the centre again. Maybe it means reducing screen time and making space for Scripture and prayer. Maybe it means simplifying our spending and giving to those in need. Maybe it means stopping the habit of using busyness to cover our inner emptiness, and coming honestly before the Lord to depend on Him.
Jesus says, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). On our own we cannot fully let go. But because Jesus has already given up everything for us and went to the cross, we now have the strength to surrender our lives to Him.
During this Lenten season, we learn again to let God set the pace of our lives—like the cloud in the wilderness—and to make Him our true centre and security.
Reflection:
This Lent, what is something you are holding on to that makes it hard for you to fully trust the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You gave Yourself fully for me so that I could have eternal life. Search my heart and show me where I am still holding on to false security and what I am afraid to surrender. In this Lenten season, help me to loosen my grip on the things of this world and learn to rest my trust in You alone. Form in me a faith that is not just outward, but deep and genuine from within. In every situation, remind me that You are my true guide, my faithful provider, and my living hope. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
Before we look at Luke 18, let’s first reflect on Numbers 9–10. Back then, the Israelites were living in the wilderness. They had no map and no fixed itinerary. Each day they watched for one thing: whether the cloud moved. “Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out” (Num 9:17). Their daily rhythm was centred on God’s presence, not their own plans.
Now in Luke 18, we meet a ruler who is also described as a rich young man. He asks Jesus an important question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18).
He doesn’t look like a bad person. He has kept the commandments since his youth. He is sincere and spiritually interested. But when Jesus says, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22, ESV), he becomes very sad and walks away.
Jesus exposes the idol in his heart. This man measures himself by performance—doing the right things, doing enough. But his real security is his wealth. Jesus invites him to follow, yet he cannot let go.
His “riches” are not only money; they represent whatever he relies on for security. In many ways, we are just like him. For us today, these “riches” might be:
* job stability and income
* our children’s results and future
* housing loans, savings, retirement plans
* what others think of us
* a respectable Christian image
None of these things are wrong. But when they become our source of security, they begin to control us. We may pray, yet deep down we trust our own control more. We come to church, yet what truly gives us joy or anxiety is our bank balance or our children’s report cards.
This is where the season of Lent is meaningful: we learn to let go of certain things so that Christ becomes the centre again. Maybe it means reducing screen time and making space for Scripture and prayer. Maybe it means simplifying our spending and giving to those in need. Maybe it means stopping the habit of using busyness to cover our inner emptiness, and coming honestly before the Lord to depend on Him.
Jesus says, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). On our own we cannot fully let go. But because Jesus has already given up everything for us and went to the cross, we now have the strength to surrender our lives to Him.
During this Lenten season, we learn again to let God set the pace of our lives—like the cloud in the wilderness—and to make Him our true centre and security.
Reflection:
This Lent, what is something you are holding on to that makes it hard for you to fully trust the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You gave Yourself fully for me so that I could have eternal life. Search my heart and show me where I am still holding on to false security and what I am afraid to surrender. In this Lenten season, help me to loosen my grip on the things of this world and learn to rest my trust in You alone. Form in me a faith that is not just outward, but deep and genuine from within. In every situation, remind me that You are my true guide, my faithful provider, and my living hope. In Your name I pray, Amen.