What is the meaning of Luke 18:21? All these Jesus had just listed commandments that summarize love for neighbor—“Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother” (Luke 18:20). • The young ruler responds to the whole set with “All these,” implying none of God’s standards in that list had been overlooked. • This shows he understood which commands were in view (cf. Exodus 20:12-16; Romans 13:9). • Yet by claiming completeness he exposed a blind spot: comparing himself to human measures rather than God’s holiness (Isaiah 64:6; James 2:10). • Christ was drawing him to see that “all” encompasses more than external rule-keeping—it reaches motive and heart (Matthew 5:21-28). I have kept • “Kept” signals diligent, ongoing observance (Philippians 3:6, where Paul calls himself “blameless” under the Law before conversion). • The ruler’s confidence was rooted in performance, not grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). • By affirming the accuracy of Scripture we recognize the man truly believed he had fulfilled these commands, yet Jesus will soon reveal the gap between legal compliance and genuine righteousness (Luke 18:22). • His words highlight a common temptation: resting in works instead of the Savior (Titus 3:5). from my youth • Jews counted “youth” from bar mitzvah age (around thirteen). From that point he considered himself accountable for the Law (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Lifelong moral effort can foster pride if it’s mistaken for saving merit (Luke 18:9-14, the Pharisee and tax collector). • Scripture repeatedly shows that even sustained obedience cannot erase a sinful nature inherited from birth (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23). • Jesus will probe whether the ruler’s early zeal has produced true love for God above possessions (Luke 18:22-23). he said • Luke records the statement as the man’s own testimony—no exaggeration, no sarcasm—underscoring sincerity yet insufficiency (Proverbs 20:6). • His speech reveals his heart (Matthew 12:34); what he believes about himself will determine how he responds to Christ’s call. • This sets the stage for the Lord to expose idolatry of wealth and invite wholehearted discipleship (Luke 18:22, “Follow Me”). summary Luke 18:21 captures an earnest, moral man declaring that he has met God’s standards. By affirming “All these I have kept from my youth,” he shows commendable zeal but also hidden self-reliance. Jesus will use this confession to uncover his need for grace, revealing that eternal life comes not through impeccable rule-keeping but through surrender to the One who perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf (Romans 8:3-4; Galatians 2:16). |
    |