August 9 / Mark 10:17-31

Mark 10:17-31

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” A couple of items different in Mark’s version of the “Rich Young Ruler” than in Matthew’s. First off, the young man ran to Jesus and knelt before Him. Matthew’s account had someone simply asking the question. Running and kneeling seems odd for someone who owned much property. Second, verse 21 says that Jesus looked at him and loved him. That information is also not included in Matthew’s account.

So the man “went away sorrowful” (v. 22). But obviously that is not the end of this man’s story. We don’t know how it ended. He did not follow Jesus right then and there, but we don’t know what he did do. It could be later that he sold all that he had and gave the money to the poor and followed Jesus. Not likely. But Mark’s account does not condemn the man for failing to do so. As I said yesterday, this man could be much like me (or any one of us). We maintain ownership of our wealth, but we also continue to be the best stewards we can be of that wealth. Jesus said How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! (v. 23) I think the sense here is that their wealth is blocking the rich from a full relationship with Jesus. What Debbie said yesterday has merit. He doesn’t want anything holding us back from being with Him. So if there is something out there that is full clouding our vision for Who Jesus is in our lives, that’s what we need to release! Just do it!

Slava Bohu!