Have you ever wondered whether you’ve done enough to get to heaven? In Week 4 of our Luke series, we explore Jesus’ conversation with a rich religious leader in Luke 18. His question—“What should I do to inherit eternal life?”—reveals an assumption many of us share: that being good enough can earn us a place with God. Jesus’ answer challenges that assumption and points us toward something far better.

The religious leader approached Jesus with confidence in his record of obedience. He had kept the commandments since he was young. But before addressing his behavior, Jesus challenged his understanding of goodness—and his understanding of Jesus himself.

Luke 18:19 (NLT) “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good.”

Getting to heaven begins with recognizing who Jesus is, not measuring ourselves against other people. Outward obedience can make us feel spiritually secure while hiding a heart that hasn’t surrendered to God.

Jesus told the man to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow him. This wasn’t a universal requirement to give everything away to be saved. Jesus was exposing this man’s deepest barrier to faith: his wealth had become his god.

Luke 18:22 (NLT) When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

The man became very sad because he was very rich. His response invites us to examine our own hearts. Whether it’s money, lust, anger, or control, what are we holding onto that keeps us from trusting and following Jesus?

When Jesus warned how difficult it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom, those listening asked a better question: “Then who in the world can be saved?” They were beginning to recognize that salvation is beyond our ability to accomplish.

Luke 18:27 (NLT) He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”

We are not saved by what we do, but by what Jesus has already done. He lived the perfect, sinless life we could not live. He paid the complete penalty for our sins on the cross. And he rose from the dead, conquering sin and death so we could receive eternal life as a free gift.