As human beings there are four main things we rely on for security: money, control, intellectual power, and our abilities—including the ability to be good. But these four things also work to keep us away from real security. Today we delve into the story of a young man who had it all, but walked away from the most important treasure ever!
17
It’s interesting to me how this man approached Jesus. He ran up, apparently anxious to get with Jesus before He left town. He knelt down—probably not something he was used to doing—and called Jesus “Good Teacher.” He’s not ready to be a disciple but feels Jesus probably has some good advice for an up and coming guy like himself. You’ve got to hand it to this guy. He knew just what he wanted and he came to the place where he thought he could find out how to get it, and that was Jesus. Sadly for him, getting eternal life is not a thing to be purchased to add to his collection.
In fact, this guy had everything that we humans strive for naturally: wealth, power, and youth (Matthew calls him “young” and Luke calls him a “ruler). To us, nothing more is needed. One of the things this section teaches us is to watch out when those values become our security. This man had everything, and yet knew something was missing. I’ve heard this said by more than one person who has attained great fame, power, or wealth—it is enticing as a goal but empty as a possession.
Jesus’ answer to the man is truly astounding:
18 – 19
Jesus focuses first on how the man addressed Him. He wants the man to move his focus off of himself and his achievements and works and onto Jesus. By saying that only God is good then either the man has to retract his statement about Jesus being good or start to think about Jesus being God. In the end, it all comes down to how we think about Jesus. Is He merely a good teacher with some great tips, or is He more, much more?
Jesus gives the man six of the Ten Commandments—those dealing with relationships with others—not, interestingly, on a relationship with God, which this man lacked. These were verifiable things the man could prove he had followed. But he is in for a surprise when Jesus reveals the true nature of the Law, not a list of rules, but a way to show our lacking and need for God’s mercy.
20
The man knelt before Jesus, but it was a false humility. In reality he thought he had everything already to attain eternal life; he just wanted someone else to acknowledge it. Perhaps that’s where you are as well. You think you are a good person and that God ought to reward you for it. What we don’t realize is how truly broken we are and unable to see real goodness. So Jesus is going to help his vision out a bit.
21
First let’s point out that despite this man’s condition, Jesus loved him. Jesus’ love goes beyond our earning it, and so should ours. When we see pre-Christians we often judge first and love later. The character of Christ should have us feel compassion, whether or not they eventually follow our Lord. That compassion should lead us, as it did the Lord, to share the real truth of the gospel—that it cannot be earned.
So at first reading it seems as if Jesus is telling this man that he can indeed earn eternal life by selling his goods and giving to the poor. The emphasis here is not on the selling but the following of Jesus. What the Lord is pointing out is that which is keeping this man from following Jesus: his love of money. In fact, money to this man was an idol—something he loved more than God. This actually led him to violate the first and most important commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
So Jesus basically gives the basic elements of the gospel: repent and believe. The man needed to turn his back (repent) on money as his god and trust (follow) Jesus instead.
Now I’d like to point out here that having wealth is not the issue. Trusting Jesus as your ultimate security and your God—that is the issue. There are many gods in people’s lives: education, power, health, relationships, lust, recreation, etc. The question is: who is first in your life?
So the man reacts, not the way we’d like.
22
Perhaps a better way to say this was “he went away because his many possessions had him” (my interpretation). Notice the strong words Mark uses: “stunned” and “grieving.” If this is how you react to having the potential for something you treasure be ripped away from you, then perhaps it has you more than you have it. Now, of course I’m not saying to be unfeeling at loss. And especially when it comes to relationships, we grieve—just as Jesus did for his friend Lazarus—but here, clearly the man had a choice: serve his possessions, or serve Jesus. He chose the former.
“Stunned” is the Greek word for “gloomy” like in an overcast sky. “Grieving” is “to distress.” You’ve heard the phrase “doom and gloom?” This situation reminds me of that. He’s depressed that Jesus didn’t validate his own efforts at righteousness and distressed thinking “now how am I going to get my validation?” That’s the problem with seeking value from what you are or do—it is a never-ending cycle. This age will never satisfy you.
So now Jesus addresses those who are left—and left wondering about a big question because in that culture the rich and powerful were thought to be blessed by God so if this man can’t make it to heaven, none of us can.
23 – 27
Why is it hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God? Because they can self-inoculate against their need. When you feel a lack you can go buy something to distract you or fulfill you in a temporary way. The rich don’t feel physical need so they are less likely to feel spiritual need. I have nothing against having wealth. But it can keep us from seeing our need for Jesus. Power is the same way. A powerful person thinks they are on top of the heap and have a hard time submitting to the Lordship of Jesus. Lust keeps us from knowing our need for intimacy with God. A primary focus on the intellect keeps us from submitting to the simplicity of the gospel. If health or beauty is your god, it keeps you from seeing the reality of the human condition and the true beauty of a godly character.
The disciples (and most in that day and in ours) considered the wealthy to be in God’s favor. The “eye of a needle” was a common Jewish phrase to denote something ridiculously impossible to do. It does not refer to a gate in Jerusalem! The good news, of course, is that with power of God, even the heart that is furthest away can be brought near!
28 – 31
The disciples, including Peter, had left their former life and way of security to follow Jesus. What would they (and we who have done the same) receive? Jesus promises a return—but don’t think it is like investing in the stock market. What you get from Jesus are relationships, security, and purpose, and not just a little, but a super abundance compared to this age. Our relationship with God and our new family is so much better than anything this world offers. Houses could refer to that security we feel in Him, knowing He has given us eternal life. Fields could be the opportunities for helping others come into this same abundance. But because the world hates Jesus, along with that come persecutions. It is the natural goal of humans to avoid pain, that’s why we value wealth because we think it can shield us from pain. In Christ we will have pain, but the increased security of that relationship makes the pain okay!
In the way God’s universe runs, it is opposite to this age. To get it all you have to give it all up!
Conclusions:
First, for the pre-Christian:
Do you know you have a need? Even though this young man wanted justification, he knew he was lacking something and he knew Jesus was the source to get it. Do you see that need in you?
Search your heart and let Jesus gently give you the hard truth of why you can’t bow to Him, and then let that thing go and follow Him. Be willing to be seen and probed. Don’t come to Jesus for justification. It’s not about what you have done but about what He has done for you.
Is there something in your life that you love more than God? You can tell by imagining that it was suddenly taken away. Would you feel like life wasn’t worth living anymore? Would you grieve so heavily that wouldn’t even want to follow God anymore? Perhaps that is an idol like this young man had.
Even if it is hollow security, you have to be willing to leave behind that which you depended on in this age and cling to Jesus.
Second, for the Christian:
As Christians, what should our attitude be when dealing with the things of this age? Let’s look at a man who had it all and lost it all—Job.
Job 1:20-22 Then Job stood up, tore his robe and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21 saying: Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord. 22 Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.
The truth is we should have light fingers on the stuff and values of this age. We also need to realize that we will have hard times here, but that doesn’t mean we are without God’s blessing. Anything you rely on for security, if it isn’t Jesus, may turn out to be your worst enemy.
Another lesson from this part of the chapter: With God, ANYONE can come to faith…anyone! So don’t give up praying and sharing with the rich young rulers in your life.
