Mark 10:17-34

Whatever he had it was not enough. The one we call the rich young ruler came to Jesus because he hoped that this teacher from God would fill in the missing pieces of his life. This young man of privileged life had every advantage available on Earth, including a religious upbringing. The piety of his religion was real. He would be a most desirable addition to the disciple band. He was exactly what we most want in our church members, young, wealthy, pious, sincere, and deeply earnest. Running and kneeling are behaviors reserved for servants and slaves; this public display indicates the desperation he felt.

Jesus comes to the point of the “one thing”. We all have that “one thing” with which we struggle. His “one thing” was money, but everyone has “one thing” that is the last, single, great obstacle to being a disciple. He was so close, so honest and so excited. Jesus has a special rush of love for this man. Jesus loves everyone, but in reaction to our zeal for Him He responds with specific affection. Jesus moves to the core issue of this young man's heart. When you love someone you don't ignore the “one thing” that will ruin him or her.

When confronted by the “one thing” it was too much for the young man. This is the only case we see in Scripture where someone left Jesus with the emotion of sadness. Wealth produces a special difficulty in being a disciple; not worse just different. The one who has wealth can deceive himself into thinking he has no need. To come to the Savior we must begin by understanding that we are in great need.

Verse 24 repeats verse 23 and then expands it. Entrance into the kingdom is impossible apart from grace, but the wealthy have a unique difficulty in recognizing their need for grace. Peter begins to blow his own horn. Maybe he disliked or had a prejudice against the wealthy, many of us do. Jesus explains that the trade-off of being a disciple is a really good deal, both here and hereafter. But lest the disciples become impressed with their own sacrifice Jesus uses this moment to point for the sacrifice He will make. He who for our sake became poor may demand that we do the same for His sake.