MATTHEW—NOTE ON Matthew 19:21 If you would be perfect. Jesus wants to turn this man from focusing on external obedience to examining his heart, revealing that his money is his ruling god. give to the poor. The man had surely already given some money to the poor, for this was considered a duty, especially among the Pharisees. But Jesus calls him to give away everything, exchanging the god of wealth for the eternal treasure found in following the one true God. Jesus’ ultimate answer to the question posed in v. Matthew 19:16 (“What... must I do to have eternal life?”) is to follow him.

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