One day as Jesus was teaching, an enthusiastic young man hurried up to Him and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Christ could see that he was wrestling with a money problem and advised him to get rid of his possessions and to “obey the commandments” (verse 17).

The young man tried to sidestep Christ’s diagnosis of his problem by asking which commandments He was talking about. Jesus listed several of the Ten Commandments: those against murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and dishonoring his parents (Verses 18, 19).

Finally, the “rich young ruler” turned and walked away sadly (verses 20-22). He wasn’t willing to take the prescription. He could give mental assent to the Ten Commandments, but he wasn’t willing to obey the spirit of the law by abandoning his selfish way of life.