Presiding Bishop
The Rev. Dominic Stockford.
Assistant Bishop
The Rev. Arthur Bentley Taylor
General Secretary
The Rev. Michael John Smithson
Then Jesus beholding him loved him
(St Mark Ch.10 v. 21)
Scripture under consideration – St Mark Ch.10 v 17 – 27.
Supporting Scriptures – St Matthew Ch. 19 v. 16 –24 & St Luke Ch. 18 v. 18 –27.
Supposing
a certain rich young ruler came to you and asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”In reality this man’s need was no different from that of any other person in God’s sight, although the details vary with each one of us. Here, our Lord implemented the true order of priorities from which we can learn in dealing with such events as might confront us. The questions raised in considering this passage of scripture, will search our hearts as well as those of the people who actually heard Jesus counsel this man. Please refer to the scriptures verse by verse as follows:-
The man’s approach
Verse 17 This man was eager – he came running to Jesus. What is our extent of alacrity?
He knelt in reverence. Has our familiarity bred contempt/lack of respect?
He asked. Do we ask our Lord rather than tell Him what to do?
He called Jesus “Good Master.” How many Christians regard Jesus as “Buddy” rather than as “Lord”?
His question was vital to his eternal destiny – the very issue that Jesus came to resolve.
Are our questions in line with our Lord’s purposes?
Jesus’ response
Verse 18 Firstly, Jesus clears away the clutter and establishes that such goodness belongs solely to God. When we reverently linger in His presence, He re- aligns our understanding so that God is glorified in the circumstances. Do we ascribe all goodness to God as did our Lord and Saviour?
Verse 19 Having emphasised God’s goodness, Jesus refers to the earthly responsibilities which should characterise this ruler. (i.e. as in the commandments.) These qualities, when active in the rulers of any country, would invoke such blessing! Are we sufficiently concerned for them?
Verse 20 Somebody, perhaps the man’s parents, had done a really good job in his up-bringing; he stated that he had observed all these commandments from his youth – a son to be proud of. Have we made a point of praying for parents and carers we know of, so that they may have God’s wisdom and guidance in their parental responsibilities? This is good background support for our prayers as directed in 1 Timothy Ch. 2 v. 1 –3. After all, if the wrong hand rocks the cradle, then it might later rock the throne! Would we dare stand before our Lord (bearing in mind the teaching as in Matthew Ch. 5 and in James Ch. 2) asserting that we have kept these commandments from our youth?
Verse 21 Notice the sequence; Jesus’ instructions are preceded by His love for the person. Is it easier for us to judge/ instruct, rather than to love that person? If we were conducting this interview would we be dazzled by, irritated by, or envious of, his riches and upright lifestyle? This man, who understood the value of riches, realised that eternal life offered greater riches than what he currently possessed. Jesus who sees the lack (all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans Ch.3 v. 23) is not preaching salvation through good works. He is, however, touching the issue which is obstructing this man’s pathway to salvation. Earthly riches have no place at the cross. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians Ch.8 v. 9. Jesus instructs this person to transfer his wealth to an account where it will not inhibit access to the cross; he can then follow Jesus.
Verse 22 Sorrow is the consequence of turning away from Jesus. Earthly “compensations” are utterly inadequate. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah Ch.8 v. 10.
Verse 23 The disciples and ourselves likewise, have to learn from this event and face the difficulties of this situation. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Proverbs Ch.30 v. 8.
Verse 24 Problems intensify if people trust in riches. We don’t have to be rich to come within this category! Trust not in uncertain riches but in the living God who giveth us all things richly to enjoy. 1Timothy Ch. 6 v. 17
Verse 25 Difficulties are compounded if you are riding a camel.! This rich man met Jesus, not when on a camel, but when on his knees. This is also a good way for us to approach our Lord. Remember that Rebekah got down off her camel to meet Isaac – her husband to be. (Genesis Ch. 24 v. 64) In our case it might be our own high horse that gets us jammed in the eye of the needle. Narrow is the way which leadeth into life and few there be that find it. Matthew Ch. 7 v. 14.
Verse 26 This is the conclusion that we naturally tend to arrive at, because the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians Ch. 2 v. 14. We need to read on to the next verse.
Verse 27 This verse is well worth waiting for! Young rulers, riches, camels, the eye of a needle, and ourselves are all within God’s competence. We may think it highly unlikely that rich young rulers will be queuing up outside our church doors, but God, having placed a high priority on this event, has caused it to be recorded in three of the Gospels. With God all things are possible. Praise God!
By the grace of our God, may we be able to discern the way through the various distractions that present themselves as we attempt to bring the message of salvation to the lost. Let us pray that, guided by God’s Holy Spirit, such people may be threaded through the eye of that needle and into the kingdom of God.
In our Lord Jesus,
John Eustice (Rev)