What Lack I?
Pulpit Germs., J. P. Lange, D. D. Matthew 19:16-22 And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?… I. EXAMINE HIS BOAST. His obedience was: 1. Exact. 2. Extensive. 3. Constant. II. SHOW HIS DEFICIENCIES. 1. A sense of guilt. 2. Faith in Christ. 3. A new heart. 4. Self-denial. (Pulpit Germs.)This query must not be regarded as an expression of satisfied self-righteousness, as if it implied, "In that case I lack nothing." It is, indeed, true that the young man was still self-righteous. He had no conception of the spirituality, the depth, or the height of the commandments of God. Taking only the letter of the law, he considered himself blameless, and perhaps even righteous, before God. Yet his heart misgave him, and he felt that he still lacked something. Under this sense of want, he put the question to the Saviour, as if he would have said, "What is it then that I yet lack? All these things have not given me peace of mind." (J. P. Lange, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? WEB: Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"