NOTES for Mar 10:17-31
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? |
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. |
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. |
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. |
21 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. |
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. |
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! |
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! |
25 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. |
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? |
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. |
28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. |
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, |
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. |
31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. |
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The evangelists report that Jesus' conversation partner was not only rich, but also young (Matt. 19:20) and influential ("one of the rulers," Luke 18:18). But this brilliant young man has no peace. One question torments him, and he asks it of the Teacher.
Jesus knows that His answer will not make the young man happy. Therefore He says, as it were, to His conversation partner: "Do you really consider Me good? Then receive My word, the good word of the good God, although it will not seem good to you." Evidently the young man thinks he has fulfilled all the commandments of the Law of Moses, and not only those Jesus named. So he is rich, influential, young, and pious. But for some reason he himself is not sure this is enough. And Jesus knows that it is not enough.
Jesus loved the rich young man, and saddened him. Sometimes God's love is manifested in the fact that He saddens us. He saddens us so that our eyes may be opened, and then there is hope of salvation. It is better for us to "go away sorrowful" for a time than to continue in error.
The disciples were amazed because they understood: even this excellent young man was not yet ready to enter the Kingdom of God. "Who then can be saved?... With men this is impossible..." Peter tries, though not directly, to argue with the Teacher: "And what about us? We have fulfilled what You are talking about: we have left everything and followed You." Peter still hopes in himself, and a trial awaits him that will crush his self-confidence (Mark 14:66-72). As if hinting at this, Jesus says: "But many who are first will be last, and the last first." These words of the Lord are useful for us to remember too.
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Readings for 1 January 2026
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