“Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:17-22 NKJV
The Rich Young Ruler was so happy to see Jesus. He came running to Jesus and knelt before Him. This indicated the young man knew who Jesus was and that he knew the secrets of eternal life. Majority of people even unbelievers long to know the secrets of eternal life.
The Rich Young Ruler asked Jesus what should he do to inherit eternal life? There was excitement and anticipation. So Jesus discusses the commandments. To the young man’s delight he was able to answer Jesus with confidence that he kept all the commandments from his youth. He was a good man. Most likely had a good reputation considering that he was rich and a ruler. He was a man that had authority.
Jesus looked a this young man with love and told him he lacked one thing. Jesus was talking about His destiny, His calling. Yes the young man was asking about eternity but Jesus had a plan for this young man. So Jesus asked him to sell whatever he had, give to the poor, but notice the reward – treasures in heaven. By giving up earthly treasures Jesus was telling him he would have treasures in heaven. That would be his reward. Then Jesus asked him to come back to Jesus, take up his cross and follow Jesus. That was the young man’s calling to come and follow Jesus. Unfortunately, the Rich young ruler was sad when he heard what Jesus was asking of him, because he could not give up what he possessed. He didn’t want to let go of all the good things he had. So he walked away in sorrow.
Jesus gave this Young Rich Ruler a command. This was his assignment. The young man chose to disobey Jesus in this aspect. Although he was someone who kept the law from his youth. This path he could not choose for the sake of Jesus. It would cost him all his possessions. He didn’t know or have faith in what Jesus was telling him. His trust was in his possessions. It was through his possessions and good works that he wanted to demonstrate that he had faith in God. Isn’t this true about so many of us today. We think we are demonstrating our faith in God by believing in what God can give us and what we can receive based on our asking and praying. But for the Rich Young Ruler true faith was following Jesus to see what Jesus had to offer. To take up his cross and follow Jesus. This is real faith. So what if he possessed all the riches. He could not take it with him into eternity. Jesus was telling him to let go so he could have the treasure of heaven. But that is not visible now or tangible. The Rich Young Ruler really did not have eternity in mind, but Jesus did because what Jesus was offering him would be for all eternity. Following Jesus is an eternal journey full of eternal promises but it comes at a cost in this life that we have today.
Many walk away from their calling. They do not want to take up their cross. They do not want to let go of the “good” things in life. It could be a career, a relationship, friendships, family, a place of comfort, even some find comfort in dysfunction. It costs us to follow Jesus. There is no promise of absolute perfect health, wealth and prosperity in following Jesus. It may cost you everything and in exchange you get trouble, suffering, oppression, tribulations in this life. You may fall out of favor with men. Some find the cost too high.
Reflections 