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Mark 10 and the Rich Young Ruler
Mark 10 and the Rich Young Ruler
When this young man asks what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus responded by quoting SOME of the 10 commandments. Jesus’ answer leaves out the ‘God part’: no gods before, not make idols, Lord's name in vain, Sabbath.
Then concerning the commandments that deal with one’s Social relationships; He quotes: "You know the commandments, 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" (Mark 10:19) Matthew’s account adds ‘love your neighbor as yourself’. BUT all accounts leave out ‘not covet’.
It is interesting to observe that Jesus did NOT mention “covet”. As the story unfolds, we see that this young ruler was a diligent keeper of the commandments from his youth, yet not ALL of them. This one thing you lack!
When instructed to ‘give it all away’ and come and follow Jesus, this young man chose to keep his possessions! He went away with sorrow, but not enough sorrow to change his heart!
Coveting here includes the concept of greed, a desire for wealth, a love for money (and/or the possessions such provides).
In applying such, we need to see the principle here. Not ALL disciples upon becoming such, gave away all worldly possessions. There were SOME who were rich (1 Tim. 6:17-18). There were some that yet owned houses and property (Acts 4:34-37). The picture however is that such possessions, while under their control, were to be used in the very service of the king.
You are not asked to give it all away, but rather to be willing to share, willing to give it to those in need, to give it in such a way that it helps. This will require a lot of heart searching and wisdom to apply how to do this. Again, Paul wrote: “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
While rich is a relative term/concept, to the degree that you have any worldly wealth, you are to use such in doing good.
What is YOUR relationship with YOUR possessions?
Hugh DeLong
NOTE: we do NOT know the rest of the story of this man’s life. Did he later come to his senses and obey Jesus? We can only hope that he did!
