What would you be willing to part with for the Lord Jesus? Is there something so dear to your heart that you could never give it up if the Lord asked you to? These are some questions that are brought forth in our Gospel reading for today. Let’s take a closer look at our passage, and then consider what our answer might be.
As Mark begins here, a young man came up to Jesus, and calling Him “Good Teacher”, asked Him what he needed to do in order to obtain eternal life (vs 17). This young man was thinking in terms of some religious deed that would guarantee him entering heaven. So many people do the same, thinking some great religious work will gain them entrance into heaven. Eternal life is in and through Jesus Christ alone. Jesus responded by asking him why he called Him “good” (vs 18). Since only God is truly good, and since Jesus is God, was this man prepared to acknowledge Jesus’s deity? Jesus didn’t contradict the man’s statement. He asked him why he was saying that. Jesus is God in the flesh. He is good. Jesus wanted this man to acknowledge it for himself.
Then, in answer to his question, Jesus said to keep all of God’s laws, and proceeds to list some of the bigger, obvious ones. The young man insists he has done so (vs 19-20). Though the young man may have been blameless in terms of external actions, neither he nor any of us are in terms of internal attitudes and motives. Jesus gave him a challenge which brought out the barrier in his heart to God’s Kingdom - his love of money and possessions (vs 21-22). Money represented his pride of accomplishments and self-effort. This probably kept him from obeying the 1st commandment. Jesus wanted him to turn his heart and life over to God. What barriers are keeping you from turning your life over to God?
When Jesus told this man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, He was not making philanthropy or poverty a requirement for salvation. God doesn’t necessarily want every believer to give everything they have away. He does, though, want us to use our possessions to serve others. We must not let anything we have keep us from serving Jesus. Could we, if God asked, give up our house, car, level of income, or position?
Jesus was exposing this man’s heart. The young man was not as blameless as he thought, since he loved his possessions more than following Jesus. He was not willing to submit to the Lordship of Christ no matter what He asked of him. Are we? This young man would not acknowledge his sin and repent, nor submit to a sovereign Savior. He went away lost.
What did Jesus mean when he was talking about a camel going through a needle’s eye in verses 24-25? Jesus is saying that salvation by human efforts is impossible. It is wholly by God’s grace. Many people in that day, as well as today, believe that with financial donations to church or charity, and with good works, one can purchase salvation. The more wealth one had, the easier that would be. It is difficult for the rich to come to Jesus for salvation because, with their physical needs always met, they become self reliant. When they feel empty, they buy something new, rather than turning to God. Jesus is making it completely clear - no one, not even the rich, can buy salvation.
Jesus’s teaching was contrary to the prevailing thought of that day, and even by many today (vs 26-27). Many thought that wealth was God’s blessing on those He loved. This is a misconception. Many good believers live in hardship, while some are blessed with wealth. Wealth is not a sign of God’s blessing. No amount of wealth or works can buy salvation. It is entirely the gracious work of God.
Have you given up something in your life for Jesus? Verses 29 and 30 assure us that anyone who gives up something for His sake will be repaid a hundred times over!
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