THE RICH YOUNG MAN AND JESUS

We read an account of this young man's meeting with the Lord in more than one of the Gospels, but I prefer the report in Mark.

This rich young man ran to Jesus and asked Him a very important question:

               "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Mark 10:17

This is a question that every person should consider.

This young man was so passionate about this matter that the Word says he ran to Jesus, and knelt at His feet before asking Him this most important of all questions?

And the Lord Jesus referred him to the ten commandments as we find them recorded in Deut. 20. :

                 "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" Mark 10:19

The young man then boldly states that he has kept these from his youth, in reply to which Jesus tells him that he lacks one thing:

               "... 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." verse 21

And the sad response of the young man was that he "went away grieved: for he had great possessions."

The most interesting part of this chapter follows after the young man has left, when Jesus turns to his disciples and tells them how difficult if would be for some people to gain entrance to the Kingdom of God:

               "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." Mark 10:24

...them that trust in riches... And then the Lord carries on to say:

               "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." verse 25

Of course Jesus was not talking about a needle that you and I would use for sewing... No, He was in fact referring to an entrance in the wall of the city of old Jerusalem.

In those days they relied on camels to carry their luggage, baggage, goods of trade. And this entrance into the city was especially for the camels. BUT oftentimes the camels could not enter with the luggage or goods on their backs - the gate was too narrow - they had to kneel and be relieved of everything on their backs before they could enter the city!

This then, is what Jesus was saying: For those of you who rely on and trust in your worldly goods - it will do you no good, because it cannot get you into the Kingdom. You cannot pay your way into the Kingdom. You will have to kneel and leave it all behind!

Trust in God at all times for everything, but especially for salvation and eternal life!

Thank You, Lord, that it does not depend on what we possess, whether we will one day enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. No, it will depend entirely upon our trust and love in and for God and ou acceptance of the price that the Lord Jesus has paid for our sins and salvation. Thank You that we are all equal in your sight!