There has been much speculation on what motivated the young man to run to Jesus with his question about eternal life. I think he ran because he seriously wanted assurance that he would live in the Age to Come. He wanted Jesus to validate the choices he had been making for his life. Jesus did not validate the young man’s life, which underscores Jesus’ statement, “it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. Humanly speaking, it is impossible.”
The inference is that the young man wasn’t going to enter the Kingdom of God. I think we can infer that if the young man had been faithful in honoring the six commandments Jesus listed, then he was probably doing pretty well with the other four also. But, that wasn’t good enough.
Jesus invited the young man to “come, follow me.” The young man would not follow Jesus. He turned and walked the other way. Jesus’ invitation continues to echo down through eternity. Every would-be disciple receives the same invitation and everyone is judged by the answer they give. Those that dare to follow Jesus will be able to answer the question the disciples put to Jesus:
“Then who in the world can be saved?”
The followers of Jesus will reply, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
8-Nov-11 Mark 10:32-52
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