As [Jesus] was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him.
Mark 10:17
This man who came to Jesus had a great deal going for him. Here are four things:
He was successful. He is successful financially (Mk. 10:22). He is also successful professionally—he is a ruler, in a position of influence (Lk. 18:18). And he had achieved all this while he was young (Mat. 19:22).
He was moral. There’s no reason to doubt his sincerity when he says that he has kept the Ten Commandments. He is a person folks would look up to.
He was spiritual. He has an intense desire to meet with Jesus. He comes running. There is urgency here. He falls at Jesus’ feet. There is great respect here. He is concerned about eternal issues: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk. 10:17).
He was loved by Christ. Mark tells us, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him” (10:21).
It seems that this man has everything going for him. Yet this story ends badly. He came with great enthusiasm. He walks away with great sadness (10:22). He does not become a follower of Christ.
After this, Jesus mentioned three times how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God (10:23, 24, 25). The disciples were amazed, and they asked, “Then who can be saved?” (10:24, 26).
The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus, but His disciples learned a great deal and we have that same opportunity today. We will look at four ways in which we can learn from this story.
Reflect on ways in which the advantages you enjoy may be keeping you from wholeheartedly following Jesus.
