When the young man heard this word, he went away sorrowful, because he had great possessions.
This verse is a tragic turning point in the conversation between Jesus and the young man. He who, for a moment, was near the path to eternal life, retreats when he hears the true demand. “He went away sorrowful” means that there was a dividedness in his heart: on the one hand he wanted eternal life, on the other hand he could not part with his great possessions. This is a moment when the human will stands before the door of salvation, but the heart, unable to renounce what is worldly, closes the door. He did not argue, he did not object, he did not mock; he simply grieves and leaves. This sorrow testifies that he recognized the truth, but did not have sufficient will to follow. This scene shows how someone can be close to Jesus, yet not reach him, when the material outweighs the spiritual. The young man’s wealth was not only in his pocket, but in his heart. The young man who said that he was seeking eternal life showed by his actions that in reality he prefers what is temporary.