Definition: Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 18:22. It's a really important message about generosity and following Jesus. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling a man who was greedy and hoarding his possessions to change his ways and focus on helping others. He’s saying, “You don’t have enough – sell everything you own and give away all your money to those who need it.” Then, he encourages him to join Jesus in following Him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Now when Jesus heard these things…” : This tells us the story is happening right now – at this specific moment. It’s a conversation between Jesus and this man. “…he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing…” : Jesus isn't saying he doesn’t know he needs to help. He’s acknowledging the man’s selfishness. “sell all that thou hast…” : This means to give away everything you own – your money, possessions, and even things you might be holding onto. It's a big, drastic action. “…and distribute unto the poor…” : Jesus is telling him to give his wealth to those who are struggling and in need. “Thou shalt have treasure in heaven…” : This is a really powerful part. "Treasure" means riches, wealth, and blessings – things that last forever. Giving these treasures away will bring you a reward beyond anything you could hold. “…and come, follow me.” : Finally, Jesus invites him to join Him on His journey and live a life of service and love. In essence, the verse is a call to action – it’s about generosity and living a life that reflects God's love. It emphasizes that true wealth isn't measured by what you own, but by how much you give back to others. Why is this important? The Bible often talks about giving (Matthew 25:35). This verse highlights the idea that giving is a way of showing love and worship to God. It’s a reminder that true riches come from sharing with others. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect of the verse like the meaning of “treasure” or the importance of following Jesus?