Jesus’ command to the rich young man to follow him (Matthew 19:21), like the command to sell all he had to give to the poor, is not a general command for all. Jesus here calls him to become a disciple in the sense of accompanying him on journeys. Jesus did not treat him as many would have done in simply sending him away. He loved him (Mark 10:21) and saw the possibilities that were present in him. To follow Jesus does mean giving up everything to put yourself exclusively in the service of the Saviour, like the other apostles (see Matthew 19:27).
Jesus’ command to the rich young man to follow him (Matthew 19:21) should, like the immediately preceding command to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, not be understood as a general commandment applicable to all. Jesus here calls him to become a disciple in the stricter sense—that is, he is summoning him to accompany him on journeys. Jesus did not treat him as many others would have done in simply sending him away. He loved him (Mark 10:21) and saw the possibilities that were present in him.1
To follow Jesus, however, entails giving up everything and placing yourself exclusively in the service of the Saviour, just like the other apostles (see Matthew 19:27).2
21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”