“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions”. (Mark 10:21-22)
Most grown men don’t run up to someone and kneel (Mark 10:17) before boasting with a statement like “all these I have kept from my youth” (v20). Years of combating sin dampens such unbridled enthusiasm and naivety. Thus, the subtitle is fitting that reads “the Rich Young Man.” Seeing youth in the narrative brings out a real struggle in someone endowed with physical vigor and wealth when encountering Jesus’ call to forsake possessions for the Kingdom of God. You have the world on a string and Jesus tells you to leave it all. What’s your move?
He's “disheartened” by Jesus’ saying and leaves with much to ponder. Jesus’ words have cut him to the heart, showing that despite his blusterous claim to have kept the commandments from youth, he hadn’t. The world was his crutch, and one can’t serve two masters. It’s a painful blow God deals, but necessary to deflate pride and strip reliance on treasure. Also important is Jesus’ initial response to this sinner, which is “looking at him, [He] loved him.” Jesus loved this man seeking God, wanting eternal life, and concerned about his destiny—all good things. Jesus responds in love by showing his need for a Savior. “What must I do?” was the wrong question for someone trusting in his works and looking for a law-answer to a problem remedied only by the Gospel.
The disciples would ask in verse 26, “then who can be saved?” Jesus says “with man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Jesus again calls us to repentance and eyes on Him. Salvation is impossible with man, even when we sell our possessions--the Law always accuses. Like the rich young man, the Law makes us sorrowful when confronting something we don’t want to hear. But it’s in this contrition hearts of sorrow may learn repentance, a turning from the self in faith to Christ Who does the impossible for man. He bears those sins of trusting in the wrong things. The combat continues but the Victory is at hand. Sorrow reflects those hearts plagued with guilt but in Christ confidence and courage comes forth in the promises of God echoed by the Psalmist who says, “those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy” (Ps.126:5).
Rev. Ryan J. Ogrodowicz
Grace Lutheran Church - Brenham, Texas
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
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