Matthew 19:21

"The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?”"

Key Reflection

This question reveals the young man's commitment to external observance but highlights his lack of true spiritual depth and surrender to Jesus' teaching. His query underscores that mere adherence to laws and moral codes is insufficient for full discipleship, as it does not encompass the heart's complete devotion to Christ.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. If thou wilt be perfect. The word perfect means complete in all its parts---finished, having no part wanting. Thus a watch is perfect; or complete, when it has all its proper wheels, and hands, and movements in order. Job was said to be perfect, Job 1:1; not that he was sinless, for he is afterwards reproved by God himself, Job 38:1-40:4 but because his piety was proportioned, and had a completeness of parts, he was a pious father, a pious magistrate, a pious neighbour, a pious citizen. His religion was not confined to one thing, but extended to all. Perfect means, sometimes, the filling up, or carrying out, or expression of a principle of action.

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