Mark 10:17-31
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”
29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
The Rich Young Man and the Kingdom of God
Mark 10:17-31 is a passage that holds great significance in the Christian faith. It recounts the story of a rich young man who approaches Jesus with the question, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This query sets the stage for a profound dialogue about the nature of discipleship and the challenges of wealth in the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.
The passage begins with the young man running up to Jesus and kneeling before him, a gesture that indicates both urgency and reverence. His address, “Good Teacher,” suggests his recognition of Jesus’ authority and moral integrity. Jesus’ response, however, redirects the adjective “good” exclusively to God, emphasizing that true goodness is found in the divine.
Jesus proceeds to list the commandments, focusing on those pertaining to interpersonal relationships: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.” The young man confidently asserts that he has adhered to these commandments since his youth. This statement reflects his commitment to a moral life, yet it also hints at a deeper longing for assurance of eternal life.
Jesus, looking at the young man with love, delivers the pivotal challenge: “You lack one thing; go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” This instruction is radical, calling for complete divestment of material wealth and a wholehearted commitment to discipleship. The young man’s reaction—disheartened and sorrowful—reveals the difficulty of this demand. His great possessions become a barrier to his spiritual journey.
Jesus seizes this moment to teach his disciples about the inherent challenges of wealth. He declares, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples, astonished, question who can be saved. Jesus responds with the famous metaphor, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” This hyperbole underscores the nearly impossible task of reconciling worldly riches with the demands of the kingdom of God.
Yet, Jesus offers a glimmer of hope: “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” This statement shifts the focus from human effort to divine grace. Salvation, therefore, is not achieved through human means alone but through the transformative power of God.
Peter, speaking on behalf of the disciples, reminds Jesus that they have left everything to follow him. Jesus acknowledges their sacrifice and promises that those who have given up earthly ties for his sake will receive manifold blessings in this life—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands—along with persecutions. The promise extends to eternal life in the age to come. This assurance highlights the rewards of discipleship, juxtaposed with the inevitable challenges.
The passage concludes with Jesus’ cryptic statement, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” This paradoxical saying encapsulates the reversal of worldly values in the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder that true greatness is measured not by wealth or status but by humility and service.
Mark 10:17-31 invites readers to reflect on several key themes. First, it challenges the notion of self-sufficiency in the quest for eternal life. The young man’s adherence to the commandments, while commendable, falls short of the radical commitment required by Jesus. Second, the passage highlights the spiritual peril of wealth, which can create insurmountable obstacles to discipleship. Jesus’ teachings on wealth are a call to reevaluate one’s priorities and attachments.
Third, the narrative underscores the necessity of divine intervention in salvation. Human efforts alone are insufficient; it is through God’s grace that the impossible becomes possible. This theme is a source of comfort and hope for believers who recognize their limitations.
Finally, the promise of rewards for sacrificial discipleship offers encouragement to those who have chosen to follow Jesus. The juxtaposition of blessings and persecutions serves as a realistic portrayal of the Christian journey—marked by both joy and suffering.
The message of Mark 10:17-31 remains profoundly relevant in today’s context. In a world where material wealth is often equated with success, Jesus’ teachings challenge believers to consider the true cost of discipleship. The passage calls for a reevaluation of priorities, urging a shift from earthly possessions to heavenly treasures.
Moreover, the story of the rich young man serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of complacency in one’s spiritual life. It prompts introspection and a recommitment to following Jesus with a whole heart. The assurance of divine possibility offers hope to those who struggle with their attachments, encouraging them to rely on God’s grace.
In conclusion, Mark 10:17-31 is a rich and multifaceted passage that offers profound insights into the nature of discipleship, the challenges of wealth, and the promise of divine grace. Its teachings invite believers to embark on a transformative journey, forsaking worldly attachments in pursuit of eternal life. Through this passage, Jesus calls each individual to a deeper, more radical commitment to following him, promising rewards that far surpass earthly treasures.
I think the reason that it may be more difficult for a wealthy person to recognize their need for Jesus in their life is because in our culture and day and age we tend to think that money can be a solution for our problems and that we can fix everything ourselves with no need for Him! In reality it is dangerous for us spiritually to try to be self-sufficient where God is concerned! We were created to need Him, desire Him, love and serve Him! When we align with His plan for us, we come out victorious in the end!
Lois, you are so right! Too much energy is wasted on trying to achieve the biggest, best, newest THING! All things material will pass away, but I believe our souls are precious and eternal, and we long naturally for fulfillment in Christ. Maybe those who do not know Jesus are seeking to fill a void within themselves by amassing material wealth. None of that will survive, nor can we take it with us. Build your treasure in heaven.
Amen!