COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 112
“ Mark 10:21 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!” (Mark 10:21-23; Matthew 19:21-22; Lk 18: 22-23)
THE COST OF ETERNAL LIFE
INTRODUCTION
Is it easy to obtain eternal life – like repeating a prayer, or going through a simple ceremony? We have an actual account before us that deals with a quest for eternal life. A certain ruler came to Jesus personally, not to His disciples, asking what he must do to “inherit eternal life.” The exceeding rarity of this inquiry ought to be noted. In the Gospels, one other man asked this question – “a certain lawyer,” or expert in the Law of Moses (Lk 10:25). This was not the man of our text, for Luke also records the account of the rich young ruler (Lk 18:18). The answers Jesus gave to these two men also differed (Lk 10:26-37 vs 18:19-23). These are the only two times in all of Scripture that this question was asked. That makes it all the more important for us to give heed to how the Lord answered it. Two different men: a rich man and an expert in the Law of Moses. We do not know if these men were among the five thousand that Jesus fed earlier. It was after that miraculous feeding that Jesus said, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:27). It ought to be noted that extended exposure to the real Jesus will bring the matter of eternal life to the minds of the people, and leave them with the impression that it is available and is to be pursued. Paul once admonished Timothy, “lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim 6:12). He also told hm to admonish those who are “rich in this world” to conduct their lives in such a manner as would allow them to “lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim 6:19). Not only did the question of this man accent the substance of Jesus’ ministry, the Lord’s answer confirms that those seeking eternal life must make that quest an absolute priority. It appears to me that the modern church has not done well in placing the necessity of obtaining eternal life before the people. An absence of this kind of stress lends itself to being at home in this world.
ONE THING IS LACKING
“ Mark 10:21 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.”
JESUS BEHOLDING HIM. Other versions say Jesus was now “looking at him,” NKJV and “looked steadily at him,” NJB “looked into his eyes.” IE That is, He focused upon him, fixing his attention on him, and clearly discerning his person – for the word “beholding” has these connotations. His gaze was not a surface one, but one in which He beheld the whole of the man – his heart, his intentions, and the degree of interest he really had in eternal life.
It is good for us to be conscious of this kind of Divine gaze. When we come to Jesus with inquiries – even valid ones – “His eyelids try” us (Psa 11:4). Those who ask the Lord for His attention, regardless of the nature of the inquiry, must know that He will peruse them, discerning the thoughts and intents of their heart, and how serious they are in their quest.
JESUS LOVED HIM. Only Mark mentions this response of the Lord – “beholding him He loved him.” Other versions read, “felt a love for him,” NASB “was filled with love for him,” NJB “felt genuine love for him,” NLT “had a favor to him.” TNT For those who are interested, this is, what is called “agapā love,” for that is the word used here. Ordinarily, men associate this kind of love with God and His gracious blessing. That is not the case in this text.
What does this expression mean? It signifies that Jesus was attracted to this young man because of his inquiry. As He looked intently upon Him, he was no doubt looking for some comely quality, some qualifying trait. Jesus looked tenderly upon the man, unwilling to break a bruised reed or quench a smoking flax. There was compassion in His look, as He pushed the door of acceptance wide open for the man to enter. He wanted this man to obtain eternal life.
However, there is more to Jesus than His love. There is also His righteousness, that will not allow a man to inherit eternal life while holding tightly to this world. Divine love must be mixed with Divine righteousness to be effective.
ONE THING LACKED. Here Jesus contradicts what the man said: “Master, all these things have I observed from my youth up.” However, he had not really observed, or done, “all of these things,” even though he thought he had, for Jesus says, “You lack one thing.” NRSV This “one thing” will prove to be a besetting sin – one that will disqualify him from inheriting eternal life. It is possible, therefore, for the lacking of a single thing to exclude one from laying hold of eternal life.
SELL AND GIVE. Jesus does not tell him what he lacks, but gives him a commandment that will discover that lack – something that he will not be able to do because of a single besetting sin. The command is twofold: 1 “Sell all that you possess,” NASB and 2 “give to the poor” – that is, give the proceeds obtained to the poor. The requirement is straight-forward. It is not parabolic, nor does it have some hidden meaning. This will address what this man lacked – what was stopping him from inheriting eternal life.
It is true that it is not necessary for everyone to do this. Nor, indeed, did Jesus require it of everyone. However, there ARE some people that must do this, for they have an inordinate appetite for “things.” This is a personalized command – one that addressed the one flaw this man possessed. It seems to me that the sin of any individual can be narrowed down to a single thing – a root from which all wayward expressions proceed. Jesus will discover that root! He will also demand that it be pulled up, for it was not planted by God (Matt 15:13).
TREASURE IN HEAVEN. It is Jesus Himself who made this association: “sell all you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” AMPLIFIED The place where one’s treasure – what he considers to be most valuable – is located is critical! Jesus flatly tells us not to lay up treasures on earth (Matt 6:19). “Treasure” does not mean money, silver, gold, and kindred valuables. “Treasure” has more to do it perspective than with substance. For a beggar, a treasure may be twenty dollars, while for a billionaire it is a trillion dollars. For some, a “treasure” is a house. For others it is a castle. A “treasure” is something one is not willing to give up for something else. It is perceived as the pinnacle of value.
“Treasure in heaven” refers more to where the treasures are than what they are. The Spirit refers to “the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” that are accessible now (Col 2:3). Moses considered “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” (Heb 11:26). Regarding the world to come, the treasures are the “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled” (1 Pet 1:4). Treasures upon earth tend to obscure that inheritance.
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME. Selling everything he had and giving the money to the poor was only a beginning. It would only bring the man to the starting line. At that line, he must pick up his cross – the cross of self-crucifixion – and follow Christ. That is the real requirement for inheriting eternal life, and this man’s riches was stopping him from meeting it. Christ’s demands would reveal that condition in the man, as the text affirms.
WHAT HE HAD WAS VALUED TOO HIGHLY
“ 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”
HE WAS SAD AT THE SAYING. Other versions read, “At this, the man’s face fell.” NIV “When he heard this, he was shocked,” NRSV and “But he was stunned at this command.” CSB He had not expected such a word from Jesus. It was simply too demanding. He entertained a view of Jesus that did not allow for such a response from Him.
Jesus’ words are always gracious, but they are not always perceived to be so. For this young man, Christ’s words were like a stone that crushed him. They discovered the shallowness of his heart. Even Christ’s love did not cause him to overcome the love of money. Like the rich man who tore down his barns and built newer and greater ones (Lk 12:18), he never considered the fact that he was going to die.
His covetousness was so strong he never pondered having genuine treasure in heaven. To you the words may sound wonderful. To this man they were saddening. Like the Word of God does, these words discovered “the thoughts and intents” of his heart (Heb 4:12).
This text explodes the thought that we are to accommodate ourselves to the desires of sinful men, holding back the truth and toning it down, imagining this will draw them to Jesus. Our Lord discovered this man’s heart with a “saying.” It was what Jesus SAID that saddened this man, not what he did. The discovering sword proceeded out of Jesus’ mouth (Rev 19:15). Of course, if those who represent Christ do not SAY much, it reduces the possibility of discovering what is or is not hindering a quest for eternal life.
I have heard some of the media-ministers confess their sadness when the Lord, according to their own testimony, required them to give away a suit, or a car, or some other portion of their massive estate. Jesus, however, required that the man sell everything he owned and give to the poor. The saying caused him to be cast down as his countenance fell.
HE WENT AWAY GRIEVED. Matthew says he “went away sorrowful” (Matt 19:22). Luke says, “he was very sorrowful” (Lk 18:23). The reaction of the man was not momentary. As soon as He heard what Jesus said, he became sad – and his sadness grew greater until “he went away in deep distress.” WILLIAMS
Compare the response of this man with Matthew, or Levi, who instantly “left all . . . and followed” Jesus (Lk 5:28). Peter and Andrew immediately “left their nets, and followed Jesus” (Matt 4:20). James and John straightway “left the ship and their father and followed” Jesus (Matt 4:21). What was the difference between them and this rich man? They saw something in Jesus that was obviously more valuable than what they possessed. This man did not have such a view of the Christ. He saw Him as a Teacher, but not as the Son of God or a Savior.
There are still people, even in the church, who have a purely academic view of Jesus – an abstract, or detached view of Him that is merely theoretical. Somehow it has never come across to them that Jesus will not compete with other interests or priorities. Their Jesus is not too demanding – like insisting that you divest yourself of what is hindering you, pick up the cross of self-mortification, and follow Jesus, going where He goes, and staying where He stays.
HE HAD GREAT POSSESSIONS. Luke says, “he was very rich” (Lk 18:23). The expression “great possessions” means many tangible materials, from money to things. Other versions read “owned much property,” NASB “had great wealth,” NIV “had many possessions,” NRSV “because he owned many things,” IE and “he was holding great possessions.” AMPLIFIED As used in this text, the root meaning of “possessions” is “property, lands, estates.” THAYER These were things he owned, not things on which payments were being made.
A sophist (surface thinker), or a novice (beginner), might ask if it is right or wrong to have “possessions.” That is not a proper question, for it depends upon how those possessions are held – with an open hand, or a tightly clinched fist. No believer should spend time defending the right to own property, or even be rich. Anything that is a part of this world brings no advantage to the person in a quest of eternal life. The things that are owned are not of themselves “defiled.” As Paul stated, “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled” (Titus 1:15). If a person is “of the world,” whether they have a dime or a million dollars, it is wrong.
Also, we must remember how Jesus spoke of worldly possessions in particular. He referred to them as “unrighteous mammon,” comparing them to “the true riches”(Lk 16:11). The word “mammon” literally means “wealth,” “treasures,” or “riches.” THAYER “Unrighteous” means something that is inherently corrupt, and will consequently pass away. All worldly wealth will pass away, and none of it transfers into the world to come. Paul referred to these as “uncertain riches,” and states that those possessing them are not to trust in them (1 Tim 6:17). Solomon wrote, “riches are not forever” (Prov 27:24). These sayings, and more, ought to move us to be most cautious in our approach to possessions, for “they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Tim 6:9).
IT IS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT FOR CERTAIN TO ENTER
“ 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!”
JESUS LOOKED AND SAID. Other versions read, “Jesus, looking around, said.” NASB It is as though, after seeing that young man leave, Jesus looked upon those disciples who remained with Him. He wanted them to glean from the event that had just occurred in their presence. He was seeking discernment in them, not what men call school-learning. Jesus is the kind of teacher that wants His disciples to discern, perceive – see beneath the surface. When the Scriptures speak of us being “taught by Him” – Jesus – it is not speaking of a mere acquaintance with the facts, as is accomplished in elementary school. In the Divine classroom, there is a certain orientation taking place. That is, the disciples are being suited to do the work of the kingdom, not sit in circles and theorize about it. Jesus’ teaching is much like an apprenticeship, where the ones being taught are equipped to actually perform the work, and navigate freely and profitably in areas with which they were formerly
unacquainted.
Jesus will choose appropriate words – words “fitly spoken” (Prov 25:11), or that precisely fit into the occasion. They will be words that will lead His disciples into a profitable analysis of what has just happened before their eyes.
The reason this kind of teaching is necessary, as well as advantageous, is because many different factors are at work in every human circumstance. Now, in this present time, the devil and the Holy Spirit are at work simultaneously in the environment. The thoughts and intents of the heart are present, as well as the conscience and the will. This present evil world is calling, and the powers of the world to come are being exerted. Time is passing, and the day of the Lord is hastening toward us. Evil principalities and powers are at work, as well as a staggering number of holy angels. The flesh and the Spirit are both demanding to sit on the throne of the human heart. In a scenario like that, a person cannot afford to be ignorant.
THE DISADVANTAGE OF RICHES. “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God!” Or, “How hard it is,” NKJV or How hard it will be,” NASB “How difficult it will be,” ESV and “it is almost impossible.” LIVING Matthew reads, “Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 19:23). That is what Jesus wanted His disciples to know! Not that they could be rich, but that there was a certain liability in being rich. It makes it extremely difficult to “enter into the Kingdom of God.” This saying cannot possibly be true if the New Covenant and abundant life have to do with being wealthy in this world. This saying clashes with the heretical teaching of many, making them liars. Thus it is written, “let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom 3:4).
The disciples had just witnessed a wealthy man. He was not like other wealthy men, because came running to Jesus. He was also distinguished from other rich men because he asked about obtaining eternal life. Yet, with all of that distinction, he ended up no different from the wealthy people who did not come to Jesus or ask about obtaining eternal life. He was essentially the same as the grasping wealthy people who thought only of themselves.
If it is true that it is very difficult for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God, then those who preach and teach wealth and prosperity are making it more difficult for men to enter that Kingdom. They are throwing a stumbling block in men’s path, and causing them to stumble. They teach men to nurture the very lusts that are to be crucified.
In the Divine economy we are told, “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Cor 1:26). However, if the New Covenant promises prosperity in this world, this saying cannot possibly be true. This is so because we have not yet fully entered into that Kingdom. There remains an “abundant entrance” that will be “ministered” to the saved (2 Pet 1:11). At that time, if there are many noble people who enter, the above text will be shown to be false, and the saints of all ages have been misled. Such a condition cannot possibly occur.
Those who have a desire to be rich tie their own hands and feet. That is why it is written, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Tim 6:9). Those within the body of Christ who are “rich in this world” are strictly charged: 1 “Be not high-minded.” 2 Do not “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” 3 “Do good,” being “rich in good works.” 4 Be “ready to distribute,” or “give,” NKJV or “be generous,” NASB or “liberal.” 5 Be “willing to communicate,” or share. 6 By so doing, they will prepare for the time to come when they will face the Lord. 7 In so doing, they will also “lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim 6:17-19).
With great sobriety we are told to “lay aside every weight, and the sin” which so “easily” besets us, running with patience the race Divinely set before us (Heb 12:1). If we do not take this admonition seriously, the Lord will discover our weights and sins by demanding us to do things that require putting them away – just as He did the rich young ruler. As our text confirms, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so if those things have been nurtured.