The life of Jesus · Mark 10
The Rich Young Man
A man runs up to Jesus, kneels before him, and asks, “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Jesus reminds him of the commandments. “All these have I observed from my youth,” the man answers (Matthew calls him “the young man”). Jesus looks at him and loves him: “One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But the man is saddened by those words and walks away grieving, for he had great possessions. Jesus tells his disciples 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. Astonished, they ask, “Who then can be saved?” “With men it is impossible, but not with God.”
What happens
- A man runs up: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17
- “There is none good but one, that is, God” Mark 10:18
- “All these have I observed from my youth” Mark 10:19–20
- Jesus loves him: “One thing thou lackest” Mark 10:21
- The man walks away grieving, for he had great possessions Mark 10:22
- The camel and the eye of a needle: “With God all things are possible” Mark 10:25–27
Who is in this story
The lesson
Wealth can become a master that keeps us from following Jesus: he asks for everything, and what the man cannot do in his own strength, God makes possible. Salvation is a gift, and following Jesus is worth more than all we own.
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Quick quiz on this story
What does Jesus tell him to do with his possessions?
Jesus says to him, “Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Mark 10:21
Why does the man walk away sad?
Grieved by this word, the man went away sad, “for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:22
Which animal does Jesus mention to show how hard it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God?
Jesus declares, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25
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