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. (Mark 10:17-27 KJV)
The Rich Young Man
Here is a hopeful meeting between Christ and a young man, who is said to be a ruler (Luke 18:18) and is identified as young (Matthew 19:20, 22), a person of status. Some details here are not found in Matthew, which makes his approach to Christ look promising. Let’s take note of these:
- He came running to Christ, showing his humility; he put aside the dignity of a ruler and displayed eagerness and urgency to speak with Jesus. He used this opportunity to consult the great Prophet about things concerning his soul and peace.
- He approached Jesus while He was on the road, in the presence of others, not waiting for a private moment like Nicodemus did (John 3:1-2). He seized the opportunity in public and was not ashamed (Song of Solomon 8:1).
- He knelt before Jesus as a sign of deep respect and sincere desire to be taught by Him. This act showed a willingness not only to show honor but also to submit to Christ.
- His question was serious: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Though the Sadducees denied eternal life, he believed in it and sought the way to obtain it. While most people ask what good they can receive in this life (Psalm 4:6), he asked what good he must do to obtain eternal life.
- He pursued happiness through obedience. This echoes Solomon’s search for the chief good—what people should do to find lasting joy (Ecclesiastes 2:3).
The question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” was a serious question. The young ruler was concerned about eternal matters and his own part in them. There is hope when people sincerely ask how to get to heaven. Second, he directed to the right person—Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), the only one who can truly reveal and give eternal life. Third, he asked with good intentions—to be taught. Unlike the lawyer in Luke 10:25, who asked a similar question just to challenge Jesus, this young man asked with sincerity.
Jesus encouraged the young man’s question by:
First, guiding his faith (Mark 10:18). When the man called him “Good Teacher,” Jesus used it to point him toward God, saying, “No one is good—except God alone.” This was not to deny His own goodness, but to lead the man to understand whom he was addressing.
Secondly, directing his actions (Mark 10:19). Jesus listed the commandments related to how we treat others: “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.” Instead of “do not covet,” Jesus said “do not defraud,” which conveys the idea of not taking from others for personal gain. As Dr. Hammond explains, it means being content with your own and not enriching yourself by harming others.
The young man responded, “Teacher, all these I have kept since I was a boy” (Mark 10:20). He sincerely believed he had kept these laws, and others likely thought so too. But not understanding the spiritual depth of the law can make people overestimate their righteousness. As Paul said, “I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died” (Romans 7:9,14). Still, anyone who avoids major sin is closer to eternal life than many. But even if we don’t see sin in ourselves, that doesn’t mean we’re justified (1 Corinthians 4:4).
Jesus looked at him and loved him (Mark 10:21). He was pleased with the man’s upright life and his sincere question. Jesus loves to see young people—and wealthy people—seeking the way to heaven. But here comes the sorrowful parting. Jesus gave him a test to see if he truly valued eternal life. He appeared eager for it, but was he truly willing to pursue it at all costs?
Could he give up his wealth for Christ’s sake? Soon, during the early days of the church, many would sell their possessions and give to the apostles (Acts 4:34-35). Persecution would later force believers to give up everything. Could he handle that? Jesus told him plainly: “Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Mark 10:21). He likely had no dependents, so he could afford to be generous. Wealth is given not just for personal needs but to glorify God, who ensured that the poor would always be among us (John 12:8).
Was he willing to bear hardship as Christ’s disciple, trusting in a heavenly reward? If he truly believed in eternal life, would he act like it? Was he ready to endure loss now in exchange for treasure in heaven?
At this, the man’s enthusiasm faded (Mark 10:22). He became sad and walked away because he couldn’t have eternal life without giving up his possessions. He didn’t pretend otherwise. As Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). He valued earthly things more than Christ. Though he desired eternal life, he couldn’t accept the price. He left grieved, unwilling to make the trade. His wealth was the reason—great possessions often destroy those who have them (Proverbs 1:32).
Jesus did not chase after him. He knew his heart and used the moment to teach His disciples. He pointed out how hard it is for the rich to be saved. Few rich people are willing to give up what they have for Christ or use their wealth to help others.
He made a strong statement: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23). The disciples needed to understand this because they tended to overvalue wealth. But Jesus clarified: it’s not riches themselves, but trusting in them that is the danger (Mark 10:24). People who trust in riches expect security and happiness from them, instead of from God (Job 31:24). Those who value earthly wealth more than spiritual treasure won’t turn to Christ. Even if a person has little, if their heart is set on that little, it still keeps them from Christ.
He emphasized: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25). Some have tried to soften this: Some suggest “the eye of the needle” was a narrow gate, through which a camel could pass only if unloaded and made to kneel—symbolizing humility and letting go of wealth. And others note that the word for “camel” might also mean a thick rope, which likewise cannot pass through a needle’s eye unless unraveled. Either way, the point stands—riches must be laid aside.
This amazed the disciples (Mark 10:24-26). They were deeply shocked and wondered, “Who then can be saved?” They knew the value their culture placed on wealth and the promises of prosperity in the Old Testament. They saw wealth as an advantage for doing good. Jesus answered that while salvation is impossible for man, it is possible with God (Mark 10:27). Even the rich can be saved by God’s power, and when they are, all the glory belongs to Him.