ied in that sense. The Lord's
remark must have deepened the young man's conception as to the
seriousness of his question. Then said Jesus: "If thou wilt enter into
life, keep the commandments." To the further inquiry, as to which
commandments were meant, Jesus cited the prohibitions against murder,
adultery, theft, and the bearing of false witness, and the requirements
as to honoring parents, and loving one's neighbor as one's self. In
simplicity and without pride or sense of self-righteousness, the young
man said: "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I
yet?" His evident sincerity appealed to Jesus, who looked upon him
lovingly and said: "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever
thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:
and come, take up the cross, and follow me."[1001]

The young man was disappointed and saddened. He had probably expected to
hear the great Teacher prescribe some one special observance, by which
excellence could be achieved. Luke tells us that the young man was a
ruler; this may mean that he was a presiding official in the local
synagog or possibly a Sanhedrist. He was well versed in the law, and had
been strict in obedience thereto. He desired to advance in good works
and make clear his title to an eternal heritage. But the Master
prescribed what he had least expected; "And he was sad at that saying,
and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." In his way, he
yearned for the kingdom of God, yet more devotedly he loved his great
possessions. To give up wealth, social position, and official
distinction, was too great a sacrifice; and the necessary self-denial
was a cross too heavy for him to bear, even though treasure in heaven
and life eternal were offered him. Love of worldly things was this man's
besetting weakness; Jesus diagnosed his case and prescribed a suitable
remedy. We are not warranted in saying that the same treatment would be
best in all cases of spiritual defection; but where the symptoms
indicate the need, it may be employed with confidence as to the cure.

Gazing sorrowfully upon the retreating figure of the wealthy young ruler
Jesus said to the disciples: "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man
shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven." To impress the lesson
more thoroughly He applied one of the figurative proverbs of the age,
and said: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle,
than for a ri