Mark 10:17-31
Q .1. What question did the rich young ruler ask Jesus? Why did Jesus query his view of goodness? Did he keep the laws of Judaism? – (Mk.10:17-20)
After His confrontation with the Pharisees, Jesus was moving away (Mk.10:17 c.f. Mk.10:1). A man came and respectfully knelt before Jesus and asked – Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Mk.10:17). People often use titles without thinking. Jesus pulled up the rich young ruler’s description of Him as ‘good’ teacher because it should only be attributed to God … and that is Who He was. (Mk.10:18). Jesus then drew his attention to the Ten Commandments, to which the young man responded – Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up (Mk.10:20).
Q.2. What was lacking in the wealthy ruler’s lifestyle? How did Jesus challenge him? What was the rich young ruler’s response? – (Mk.10:21-22)
There was a beautiful exchange as Jesus looked at him and felt a love for him (Mk.10:21). Jesus was impressed with the sincerity of the man. He then placed His finger on the man’s real trust – One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me (Mk.10:21 c.f. Exo.20:3). Sadly – at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property (Mk.10:22). Jesus benefitted from the generosity of people throughout His ministry. This story applies to those who place their riches above the Lord God (c.f. Isa.53:9; Mt.6:19-21; 27:57-60; Lk.8:3).
Q.3. How hard is it to enter God’s kingdom? Why were the disciples shocked at Christ’s declaration? What makes the Kingdom accessible? – (Mk.10:23-27)
Prosperity was thought to be a sign of God’s favour. When Jesus told His disciples – How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! they were shocked (Mk.10:24). They were even more astonished when He included everyone, and said – Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God (Mk.10:24). He underscored the impossibility claiming that – It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mk.10:25). They reacted – Then who can be saved? (Mk.10:26). Jesus explained – With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God (Mk.10:27 c.f. Jn.1:12-13). Being saved is not humanly achievable … it is an act of God.
Q.4. What assurance was Peter seeking? What promise did Jesus give His followers for this life? What did He promise about eternal life? – (Mk.10:28-31)
Jesus had shattered the disciples’ ideas about the way of salvation. Peter reminded Jesus that they had given up everything for Him (Mk.10:28). He reassured them (and all His followers) that all sacrifices for Him and the Gospel will be abundantly rewarded either in this life or the one to come. He promised – that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life (Mk.10:30). This promise equates to the life of Jesus. He had many grateful and intimate friends … along with many persecutions (c.f. Mk.3:31-35; Jn.15:18-21). His blessings are rarely immediate. However, they will surely come.