Sumagot si Jesus, “Kung ibig mong maging ganap, ipagbili mo ang lahat ng iyong ari-arian at ipamahagi sa mga mahihirap ang pinagbilhan. At magkakaroon ka ng kayamanan sa langit. Pagkatapos, bumalik ka at sumunod ka sa akin.”

Mateo 19:21

Imagine the richest person in the world, with a net worth of hundreds of billion, having an existential crisis about eternity. He has everything he needs, with enough ideas that he can turn into as many companies as he wants. Pero feeling niya, may kulang.

Let’s say Jesus were still here on earth today. This rich man approaches Him with the question, “What good can I do to get eternal life?” Jesus answers him by saying that he should keep the commandments: No murder, no adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, honor your parents, and love others like yourself. The rich man confidently says yes (even though his confidence is misplaced). Then Jesus tells him, “If you want to be perfect, go now and sell your property and give the money away to the poor — you will have riches in Heaven. Then come and follow me!” (Matthew 19:21, Phillips)

The man furrows his brows and thinks for a moment. He shakes his head and walks away sad.

Jesus tells His disciples, “Believe me, a rich man will find it very difficult to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Yes, I repeat, a camel could more easily squeeze through the eye of a needle than a rich man get into the kingdom of God!” The disciples were simply amazed to hear this, and said, “Then who can possibly be saved?” Jesus looked steadily at them and replied, “Humanly speaking it is impossible; but with God anything is possible!” (Matthew 19:23–26, Phillips) 

This conversation actually happened between Jesus and a rich young ruler. Can the rich and self-sufficient drop the crutches of their wealth to gain eternal life? They (and everybody else) should know that nobody can buy a ticket to heaven with their money. Jesus already paid the price.