Marriage and divorce. The narrative also pauses for a moment by noting that Jesus gazed at him and then reports that Jesus loved him! We are surprised to hear Jesus connect commandments and eternal life. The disciples, quite rarely for them, get it, when they shriek, Well then, who can be saved (Mark 10:26). The Rich Young Ruler: Mark 10:17-31 Sep 28, 2021 B Y J O H N C. H O L B E R T In this brief section of Mark's Gospel we find four separate pieces of story and teaching that Mark splices together to again confront the readers with the strict and all- encompassing demands of discipleship. It is not so much the wealth per se which is the issue but the rich mans attachment to these possessions which, in the end, prevents him from following Jesus. This household of God is an incredibly rich present reality, but one that is marked with persecutions. ', 20He said to him, Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth., 21Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack. However, ultimately it asserts that nothing is impossible for God (27). Bede). But from the beginning of the world it was not thus; for then God only formed one man and one woman, that they might be exclusively and invariably attached to each other. His approach and words to Jesus are not arrogant or self-righteous. what shall I do (v. 17c). ), Verses 23-31 expand upon the implications of Jesus statement. One thing you lack. Jesus is also seen as Son of Man, a term used in Mark not simply as a substitute for "I" or for humanity in general (cf. Though the significant call is present in our text, here is perhaps a couple of softer examples of the way to commit ones life, skills, wealth, and resources to Gods purposes. Quakers have been doing this since the 1660s) Participants simply ask questions of the person with the situation for discernment, helping them reach their own decision. Because of the hardness of their hearts, and to prevent the excesses they would otherwise have committed with regard to their wives. Unfortunately, no such gate ever existed, and Jesus words in 10:23-25 fail to recognize such distinctions about wealthy peoples, Countless preachers have told us Jesus omnisciently perceived that wealth was this particular mans special weak spot, and so he zeroed in on it only to expose the mans distinctive shortcoming. Mark 10:17-31: He was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, 'Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? How can this be? John currently splits his time between Michigan (where he continues his writing apostolate and serves as a confessor and spiritual director at the Queen of the Family Retreat Center) and Rome, where he teaches theology at Regina Apostolorum. Unfortunately, however, it is not just the rich young man in this passage who turns away from Christs love: many of us have riches of our own (plans, pleasures, hopes, relationships, etc.) Jesus substitutes it for You shall not covetthe tenth commandment (Exodus 20:17). The list of blessings in verse 30 parallels the list of sacrifices in verse 29 with one exceptionthe word father is conspicuously absent in verse 30. In fact, it is so hard for that to happen that its more likely that a camel will magically thread itself through the eye of a needle! Bp. One might be able to work a thin thread through the eye of a needle, but not the thick rope used for attaching a boat to a wharf!. Lets go back to the rich mans question that initiated this whole incident: What shall I do to inherit eternal life? His question already hints at a deeper answer. Also, the posture of kneeling before Jesus demonstrates that the man imagines Jesus to be little less than divine in his teaching, the fully appropriate one to answer his burning question. Material wealth needs to be put to work for the extension of Christs Kingdom, while at the same time hedging the natural tendency to excess and self-indulgence with habits of self-discipline and voluntary sacrifices in order to avoid becoming moneys slave. 17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? He doesnt call people to serve him more closely in order to punish them his heart is not cruel. 17As he was going out into the way (Greek: hodon), one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?, 18Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? Her decision to put the yes or no of her lifes work to others exemplified her understanding that we are not our own, our ministries are not our ministries, our resources and skills are not ours alone. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. (Theophylactus), Christ goes before, to shew his eagerness to suffer the ignominies and torments of his approaching passion, for our salvation. The disproportionate share of wealth between the majority world and affluent societies such as our own should give us pause for thought about the challenge of this Gospel text. The tenth is You shall not covet your neighbors house. While he displayed an unusual ability to read peoples hearts, there is no reason to assume that he was omniscient. To learn more about The Better Part or to purchase in print, Kindle or iPhone editions, click here. I thought this eternal life stuff would be hard, he surmises, that the famous teacher would add requirements that I was not ready to fulfill. Or does he believe he is really telling the truth? that hold us back from answering a special call to follow the Lord more closely. 23Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!24And the disciples were perplexed at these words. "Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world, will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Unless we are possessed of the innocence and purity of little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. 28-30. Jesus was doing so well with his answer to Peters desperate request for assurance that his life with Jesus will receive an appropriate reward both now and in the future, that his relinquishment of his former life, unlike the actions of the rich man, we can almost see that growing smile on the old fishermans face. This may contribute to the mans grief and apparent inability to do what Jesus asks. Wealth is clearly a problem. John C. Holbert is the Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics Emeritus, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you . 1. 1. In Glory Days, Bruce Springsteen sings of that high school baseball player who could throw that speedball by you. What hope is there for him? Leaving everything and following Jesus, as Peter says the disciples have done, brings them into a new family. Perhaps he is looking for reassurance. They too have fallen to the trap of the worldly status game. 1. You know the commandments (v. 19a). The man's question leads Jesus to list ( Mark 10:18) the six most socially oriented commandments in the Decalogue. (Ven. Finally, the text reassures the reader that salvation is ultimately the work of God and that for God, all things are possible (27). But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first." (Mark 10:17-31) The young man runs up and kneels before Jesus. It doesnt necessarily imply choosing to live in misery. This proves to be too difficult for the man who is said to have had many possessions (22) and he turns away grieving. May 27th 2013, May 28th 2013, February 28th 2017, June 13th 2018. for the latest news, resources and events. No one is good except oneGod. Without detaching, dis-possessing himself of all that his wealth had come to mean to (and for) him, he couldnt entrust himself to God. There are at least two possibilities: As this story reveals, this mans wealth is very important to himmore important even than eternal lifeunless he assumes that he can obtain eternal life without selling his property. Francis example seems a bit far away for us today. Copyright 2023 Catholic Exchange. The implication is crystal clear. We have left everything to follow you (Mark 10:28)! He asked a question for the purpose of learning from Jesus, and anticipated doing what Jesus told him to do. Their religious beliefs also led them to live modestly even as they began to prosper. No one is good except oneGod, One thing you lack. It is difficult for someone with a lot of earthly security and prosperity to take on the posture of a childthe posture of a someone whos life, well-being, and prospects are handed over to be controlled by anotherbut that is what the life of discipleship is and how the Kingdom of God works. For small things have power of attaching us to them, and of exciting our passions; therefore he that forsakes his small possessions, shall be a partaker of the blessings of Jesus Christ. For Matthew, see note on Mt 17:14-20. ), What will this man whom Jesus loves do? 2015-10-11: Sunday 28th (B) in Ordinary Time, October 11, 2015 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cylce B, The Continual Conversion Asked of the Rich Young Man and of Us, 28th Sunday (B), October 10, 2015, Homily for the twenty-eight Sunday of the year - Year B, www.lifeissues.net | Homilies - 28th Sunday OT B, Archbishop Harris Gospel Reflection Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), Homily - 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B, (October 11, 2015), Gospel of Mark: Resources on Sunday Readings, Daily Reflection of Creighton University's Online Ministries - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time -, peaceonjustice | Lectionary reflections related to Catholic Social Teaching -, Education for Justice Center of Concern , Bible Study Resources - Archdiocese for the Military, USA Archdiocese for the Military, USA -, Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart -, Father John Mckinnon - Mark Gospel Commentary -, Father John Mckinnon - Sunday Relfection -, RealPeople - The Gospel in Everyday Language -. Sunday Homilies and Reflections from Australia - 28. The word we translate as kept can also mean guarded and it carries an emphasis on the kind of observance he has kept: faithful and careful, to the letter of the law. An ancient scribe added words to make 10:24 read how hard it is, A ninth-century interpreter made up the idea of a low gate into Jerusalem called the eye of the needle, through which camels could pass only if stooped and unladen. Is he lying? Simon and Andrew kept their house in Capernaum (1:29). Hasnt Jesus ushered in the dispensation of grace! Who seem to rule over the Gentiles, &c. See Matthew xx. WHAT SHALL I DO THAT I MAY INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE? The security afforded by material possessions tempts us to trust in possessions rather than in God. Thus Jesus needed to use a vivid, unforgettable image to drive his point home: a camel will have a better chance to get through the eye of a needle than a rich person will have of getting into Christs Kingdom. Wealth can easily give us the illusion of being self-sufficient, of being totally in control of our happiness and our destiny. Mk 2:10, 27-28; 14:21) or with reference to a mighty figure who is to come (Mk 13:26; 14:62), but also in connection with Jesus' predestined, necessary path of suffering and vindication (Mk 8:31; 10:45). In the end, this story is untamable. Christ the Teacher This tragic occasion, which no doubt pained Christ deeply, offers Jesus a chance to put forth his teaching on material goods and the virtue of Christian poverty. He has written 11 books, mainly concerned with the intersections between the Hebrew Bible and preaching. Have mercy on me and everyone tempted by this distraction from you. Berakoth 55b in the Babylonian Talmud refers to an elephant, rather than a camel, passing through the eye of a needle. His most recent books are Spring Meditations, Seeking First the Kingdom: 30 Meditations on How to Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength, and Answers: Catholic Advice for Your Spiritual Questions. The last line of Job 2:1-10 (last weeks first reading, 18 Pentecost) reckons Jobs behavior, above all his speech, as righteousness: This weeks psalm selection is the closing section of one of the great lyrics of the BiblePsalm 90. The rich man first addresses Jesus as good teacher (17) which leads to a rebuke from Jesus no one is good but God alone. This rich young man surely knows those laws like the back of his hand. The prize that he seeks, eternal life, is mentioned frequently in the Gospel of John. Bede). But, of course, there is a danger in following an interpretive route like that one, by trying to get too far inside the mans head or speculating about Jesus evangelization strategy. The reader might picture the man preparing to race off and continue life as he has lived it, now content that eternal life is certainly assured. Minimalism: The Destruction of Christian Society. Martha and Mary owned a house (Luke 10:38). It is proof that the integrated life of discipleship sees Christ as Lord of all things. Finally, the concluding verse of the story (31) foreshadows an inversion of the normal pattern of things where the last will be first and the first will be last. What we see is not at all what we can expect to get once Gods Great Reversal takes place. More famously in Matthew and Luke, this someone becomes a ruler, hence the more familiar designation, the rich young ruler. The fact that Mark suggests that he is simply a man with money perhaps makes him out to be a better representative of the teaching goal of the gospel that includes not only rulers and leaders, but anyone who would follow Jesus. Their role in . The man asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. What about us? he asked him. People sometimes try to soften Jesus words about the eye of a needle by suggesting that: The word that is translated camel (Greek: kamelon) should instead be translated rope (Greek: kamilon). It is possible for even good things to stand between us and Christ. Here is a deeply religious person so well-attuned to his practices that he can sense that there is more out there than what he has experienced so far. He also served as the English-language press liaison for the Vaticans 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist. The heart that is detached from things is freer to love others. Not only in the book of Acts, but throughout the epistles we see how Gods people are committed to sharing what they have as though it belonged to everyone, including those in faraway places. He needs to acknowledge his spiritual deficits and seek Gods grace. Second, Jesus saw that the mans heart was pure and felt a genuine affection for him. The person who takes care of an ailing neighbor will be first, and the person who takes care of Number One will be last. The unfolding . (Ven. No wonder the disciples are perplexed. Christ knows, as he explains to Peter, that he himself is a reward far greater than anything this world has to offer. (See the Textual Point below for some of the reasons.) 10:00am. His answer in verse 20 shows that he knows the traditional answer to his question and is already complying with traditional requirements. Only with God are such things possible (Bailey, Through Peasant Eyes, 169). Primary Session Luke 10:25), and by Nicodemus (cf. However, the textual evidence for this is weak. Christians are being martyred daily, sometimes in large numbers. In a sense, a violation of the tenth commandment is also a violation of the first and second commandmentsmaking a god of material possessions. Do not commit adultery is the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14). Homily - 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B, (October 11, 2015) from MHT Parish on Vimeo. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. God means for me to have this wealth my stuff is proof of Gods love my richness is a sign of Gods approval Beware, we easily fall into this trap still today. He went to Christ to find out how to follow that call. He talks of the largest animal trying to negotiate the smallest opening to provide a memorable illustration of the impossibility of a rich person entering the kingdom of God. He has preached and/or taught in over 1000 churches and conference settings in 45 states and 20 countries. He goes a step further by instructing him to redistribute his wealth among the poor. Privacy Policy, The Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:1-9, The Parable of the Mustard Seed Matthew 13:31-32, The Passover with the Disciples Matthew 26:17-30, The Proclamation of John the Baptist Mark 1:1-8, The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry Mark 1:14-20, Jesus heals many at Simons House Mark 1:29-34, The parable of the Growing Seed Mark 4:26-29, Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac Mark 5:1-20, A Girl Restored to Life & a Woman Healed Mark 5:21-43, The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth Mark 6:1-6, Feeding Stories Mark 6:30-44 & Mark 8:1-10, The Syrophoenician Womans Faith Mark 7:24-30, Jesus Declaration about Peter Mark 8:27-30, The Healing of a Boy with a spirit Mark 9:14-29, Jesus blesses the little Children Mark 10:13-16, The Request of James and John Mark 10:35-45, The Necessity for Watchfulness Mark 13:32-37, Jesus Prays in Gethsemene Mark 14:32-42, The Birth of Jesus Foretold Luke 1:26-38, The Boy Jesus in the Temple Luke 2:41-52, The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry & The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth Luke 4:14-30, Jesus calls the first Disciples- Luke 5:1-11, The Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37, The Parable of the Lost Coin Luke 15:8-10, The Parable of the Prodigal and his Brother Luke 15:11-32, Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers Luke 17:11-19, The Coming of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-12. Mark . According to 4:19, wealth and its deceptions are not the only things capable of choking the word of God. 2023 NCEC - All Rights Reserved. The reason is, Christ loved him for his past behaviour, and his strict observance of the old law. He asks Jesus about the more, but his question focuses on what needs to be added. In each of these recounts someone is called to leave behind their previous life and take on a new one: key to this recognition is the invitation Jesus gives to come, follow me. For men, he said, it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God. Peter took this up. 25It is easier for a camel (Greek: kamelon) to go through a needles eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God., 26They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, Then who can be saved?, 27Jesus, looking at them, said, With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.. The story of the rich man is replete with intriguing and somewhat challenging ideas. The man balks, and, sadly, rejects the invitation. One story particularly highlights his obedience: Francis gave away his cloak quite regularly and he was finally ordered by a superior to stop. PS: This is just one of 303 units of Fr. Moses permitted the injured husband to send away his wife, declaring that he had repudiated her. What of this information is important to share with the students? That love moved Jesus to demand that the man divest himself of the obvious impediment to his ability to follow Jesus into the rule of God, a rule that cannot accept the wealth of the few at the expense of the many. Example: In the early history of our nation, the religious beliefs of Quakers caused them to be honest, hard-working, trustworthy people, so people liked to do business with them. * [10:23-27] In the Old Testament wealth and material goods are considered a sign of God's favor (Jb 1:10; Ps 128:1-2; Is 3:10). Only now are we told, For he was having many possessions. (If we had been told this detail from the outset, would it have skewed our perceptions of him? 5:00pm, Sun. Behold, we have left all, and have followed you (v. 28). The section begins as someone ran up to Jesus, knelt before him, and questioned him, Good teacher, what do I have to do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17)? Matt. Christ the Lord The rich aristocrat came to Christ and threw himself at his feet. Catholic Online. To try to domesticate this language does Jesus no favor (Williamson, 184). The rich man is quite unlike those children. The eye of a needle was a low gate in a city wall that would require a camel to be unloaded before proceeding on its knees through the opening. The man wants to know what he must do to inherit eternal life. Thats the main difference between the rich man and the children that Jesus told his disciples to welcome and become more like. But when the man heard this, he was not only shocked, he was distressedgrieved evento consider that his eternal life meant giving up his earthly one made up of all of his possessions. Jesus does not challenge his claim, so I think we need to accept it as true, probably in the same way that Paul claimed to be blameless with respect to righteousness under the law. In other words, if your god is your stuff and your status, then you have kept yourself outside of Gods Kingdom. We might imagine that we are in no danger because we are poor or middle-class. The tenth commandment, You shall not covet, at first blush, seems to have to do with human relationships, but consider again. Verse Mark 10:50. The following are Protestant numbers, so your numbers might be different.). Since we dont have Jesus in the flesh to tell us what to do with our lives, its perhaps a good practice for us to become communities for discernment, including personal discernment. Instead, even though he wanted heavenly treasure, he couldnt bear the thought of giving up his earthly ones. 25. Hence it is written, (Genesis ii. Design by Perceptions Studio. Verse 20. Jesus answered. Jesus, I trust in you, Are you calling me to leave something behind and follow you more closely? Youll recall how Ive pointed out that children had no status and were completely dependent on someone else for their well-being, protection, and well, everything really. (Bible de Vence). They are too important to him, too impossible to give up. He is to sell what he has and give it to the poor in order to obtain treasure in heaven. This is the only time in Marks Gospel that Jesus makes such a demand about possessions. To covet material possessions is to invest them with great importanceto let them to fill our heartsto allow them to fill the God-space in our lives. Thus, when he shows a special love for certain souls, he often asks them to forsake the passing goods of the world and consecrate themselves totally to him, the eternal good. Eternal life may come, and the joys of community now may appear, but there will be trials and pain and demanded change for all of us who wish to follow this one to his end. St. Matthew (xx. You then go on to plan how you enable your students to work with the text. The Epistle to the Hebrews is often a study in contrasts, and Hebrews 4:12-16 is no exception. We left everything to follow you! By the Spirits grace-filled work, the disciples did give up a semblance of autonomy, and submitted themselves to Jesus to be taught and ordered around as disciples following their rabbi. Commentary on Mark 10:23-31 (Read Mark 10:23-31) VIII (Nashville: Abingdon, 1995), Williamson, Lamar Jr., Interpretation: Mark (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1983). Perhaps he is just looking for a pat on the backKeep up the good work! In any event, we can be sure that he does not expect Jesus to lay a significant new requirement on him. The second is You shall not make for yourselves an idol (Exodus 20:4). Mark uses hodon to remind us that Jesus is on the way to Jerusalem and a cross. Why do you call me good? Alongside a group process like this, spiritual direction is a way of personally committing to a posture of searching and seeking after the will of God with every part of our lives. It is worth taking a moment to recognize that it is possible to have wealth and be dis-possessed of it. In the kingdom of God, the person who loves God will be first, and the person who loves money will be last. He provided spiritual support on the set of Mel Gibsons The Passion of the Christ while researching the 2005 Catholic best seller, Inside the Passionthe only authorized, behind-the-scene explanation of the film. At the conclusion of the passage, Peter does not boast of his sacrifices but continues to panic about the difficulty of securing eternal life. Mark 10:17 Commentaries: As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Bible > Commentaries > Mark 10:17 eBibles Free Downloads Audio Mark 10:17 Upon hearing Jesuss answer to his question, the man replies with genuine joy and some relief: Teacher, I have observed all these things since I was a child (Mark 10:20)! We too should be shocked when we hear this story. Graham Kendricks song, Knowing You opens with the lines: All I once held dear, built my life upon / All this world reveres, and wars to own / All I once thought gain I have counted loss / Spent and worthless now, compared to this This could have been the song of the rich man. His online, do-it-yourself retreats are available at RCSpirituality.org, and he answers questions about the spiritual life at SpiritualDirection.com. Mark 10:17-31: He was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? 5.) Also, as to the greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this world, and leave it for Christ." From Wesley's Notes. The meaning of Jesus rebuke is not clear, however, it may well be an echo of the so called messianic secret in Marks Gospel where Jesus forbids people to speak of him as the messiah (Mark 1:24-25, 3:11-12, 5:43, 8:26, 8:29-30, 9:9). If you wish to talk to Christ and to accept all the truth of his testimony, you must on the one hand love the world for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son (Jn 3:16) and at the same time you must acquire interior detachment with regard to all this rich and fascinating reality that makes up the world. Saint John Paul II. He asks for more. They were poor, but he is rich. (Ven. We see Jesus repeatedly refer to the Kingdom of God in verses 13-16 regarding being like children (which is why I suggested you read them again this week), and again in verses 23-25. But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions (v. 22). Delivered Weekly! The rest of us can expect Jesus to make painful demands. So to enter the Kingdom of God and to truly become a disciple of Jesus is to let Christ be in charge, allowing him to tell you what to do with your time, talents, and treasures, obeying both the letter and the spirit of his commands, becoming a living sacrifice and taking up ones cross and following him. Realizing that they have kind of been doing the right thing (even if they had the wrong idea!) We need to ponder whether the man was right the first time. The man now replies by simply calling Jesus Teacher, and its understandable for a Jew to do so given Jesus earlier comment on the goodness of God alone. An affirmation that for Jesus, love of the other is foundational and not dependent on them doing good. They were dependent, but he is not. Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, My children, he said to them, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! Instead of unearthing a hidden motive, Jesus considers him carefully, looking at him with love, and identifies for him (and us) the challenge of going past the letter of the law to its spirit. (Ven. Subsequently, in verse 20, he refers to Jesus simply as teacher. How does the information assist you in understanding the text? Bible. Jesus calls for more than a change in the mans bottom line and more than a permanent relinquishment of his acquisitions; he tells him to change his relationship to the poorto help them, to identify with them. I too come to you, again, right now, and I throw myself at your feet. 24, and Matthew xix. Surely, he did not mean camel, some say, since the word for rope is quite close to that of camel. And obviously, others say, the eye of the needle must have been a nickname for one of Jerusalems gates, making the entry of a loaded camel into the city difficult but finally not impossible, or if rope is meant, surely the needle must be an instrument with a very large eye, making the ropes movement though it difficult, but not finally impossible. At this point in Mark, we are only told that someone runs up to Jesus and kneels before him. Material wealth is not evil in itself God made the universe and filled it with good things for our use and enjoyment. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how hard it isto enter the kingdom of God! In that case, they said to one another, who can be saved? Jesus gazed at them. If what the man says in verse 20 is true, as might be the case, he is already doing the right things, but for the wrong reasons. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); puzzles coloring pages clipart PDF document, Catechist Background and Preparation Jesus says he lacks one thing. Consider the disciples question, where they basically say, If a rich person isnt saved, who can be? Their dismay is loaded with their assumption that to be rich equals to be in Gods favour, which in turn signifies that they are set for eternity. Jesus was the one that gave them their purpose, directives, and modelled to them how they were supposed to conduct themselves. From Matthew Henry's Commentary. I swear to you that no one who has left home, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or farms on my account and on account of the good news, who will not receive a hundred times as much now, in the present time, homes, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and farms along with persecutionsand in the age to come eternal life (Mark 10:29-30). Mark is simply never willing to sugarcoat the road to Gods rich world, and those of us with money can expect not to buy our way into that world. "No one is goodexcept God alone. John has contributed news commentary regarding religious issues on NBC, CNN, Fox, and the BBC. What fools these scholars be, if I may use and slightly change a famous line from Shakespeare. And he, casting away his garment He cast off his outward covering, a blanket, or loose piece of cloth, the usual upper garment of an Asiatic mendicant, which kept him from the inclemency of the weather, that he might have nothing to hinder him from getting speedily to Christ. The rich man responds, Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth (vs. 20). How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! (v. 23b). Chapter 10 . The Lord is merely explaining what just happened in his conversation with this rich man (a young man, in fact, as we learn from the accounts in the other Gospels). With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God., to go through a needles eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God, With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God. Look at us, Jesus. Israel in the time of Jesus. Why Jesus replaces the prohibition against coveting with one about defrauding is a conundrum no interpreter has successfully solved. This gives us permission to assume that Jesus would not ask us to part with our possessions, just those things that we. 1 After leaving there, he came into the territory of Judaea and Transjordan. What, then, is the answer? The only characters to feature in this story are Jesus, his disciples and the rich man. Simon, Andrew, James, John and then Levi are all willing to give up their lives, leaving their work to do as Jesus asks: in this passage, the rich man is not able to leave what holds him his wealth. Junior High School, Related: Gospel of Mark: Resources on Sunday Readings - Mark Coloring Page They had no security apart from those who cared for them, but the rich man is quite secure in his own right. Omitted are the commands related to human-divine interaction. Both you and your students are the agents of interpretation. The disciples call attention to this in 10:26 when they gasp, Then who can be saved? If Jesus has categorically ruled out the rich, then can. Even a rich man who has successfully kept all the Decalogues laws governing social responsibilities, as this devout man has, cannot fit.1. The commentary suggests that you ask yourself various questions that will aid your interpretation. What more can I do to love you as you ought to be loved? In other words, the firstborn son is to get twice as much as any of his brothers. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D, received his BA in History from Stanford University in 1990. By contrast to the man, Jesus disciplesdespite their repeated demonstrations of spiritual obtusenesshave already renounced much of their lives, security, and identity. What else might the students need to know? The man says that he has kept them, and he may havebut commandments having to do with relationships to God represent a higher level of discipleship, one where this man is deficient. 1Nothing about the narration or Jesus response suggests that the man is anything but sincere in 10:20. Jesus makes it clear that those who sacrifice for his sake will be rewarded both now and in eternity. How difficult it is for those who have money to enter Gods rule (Gods domain, Gods kingdom) (Mark 10:24). This is a call story in which the disciple who is called says no and doesn't follow Jesus. but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. I know that it has been monumental in helping me go through the process of letting go of certain goals, possessions, even relationships, in obedience to Christ. They had no status or power, but he has both. Why do you call me good? Jesus concludes by reassuring Peter, But many who are first will be last; and the last first(v. 31). He then proves to them by his own example, that if they would not believe his words, they might at least learn by his example. Jesus then reiterates this statement when faced with the perplexed response from his disciples (24) before elaborating further with the astonishing claim that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God (25). A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. That invitation, as Mark makes so clear, is a result of his love. The first part of the encounter between the rich man and Jesus begins with the question about eternal life (17) and the response referring to the commandments of the Jewish law (Torah) in verse 19. Further, he is to follow Jesus, a typical characterization of discipleship in Mark. 28Peter began to tell him, Behold, we have left all, and have followed you., 29Jesus said, Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, 30but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. They were more astonished than ever. A further intriguing idea in this text is the conundrum of wealth. Marva Dawn was a scholar and theologian who passed away earlier this year (2021). Johns fantastic book The Better Part. Jesus reactions also leads us to look favourably on the mans question. Jesus answers his question at first in the way a 1st century Jewish teacher would be expected to answer: he points to the final six commandments found among the famous Mosaic Ten. Not only have we followed all those commandments, but we have done all that you have asked of us. Pentecost Sunday. Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News. Thanks be to Jesus, the good teacher, that all things are possible with God! It is also true that we need not be wealthy to have our hearts and souls consumed by thoughts of money. A Storytelling Commentary on Mark 10:17-31 Thomas E. Boomershine, PhD This is a call story like the stories of Simon and Andrew and James and John at the beginning of the Gospel. Note the general declaration Jesus makes in v. 24: Children, how difficult it is to enter into the dominion of God!. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal . His most widely known book is called: The Better Part: A Christ-Centered Resource for Personal Prayer. With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God (v. 27). Jesus' encounter with a rich man who asks "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" constitutes one of the few passages in Mark that speaks directly to economic activity. The meat of the sandwich, then, is the encounter between the rich man and Jesus, where the meaning of the bread is on full display in a real-life, live situation. Instead of taking the image literally, let us take it seriously. Advertise on Catholic Exchange Here comes the good part! By this time in the religious tradition (and I use that word on purpose), the idea that wealth was proof of covenant blessing was rather solidified in the peoples minds. Clipart Mark - Gospel Mark: General - Crossword Puzzles - Mark - Bible Posters: Mark. He tries to claim the mans very own self. The text says he became dismayed, and he went away (the opposite of following) grieving. He was their adult and notice how Jesus even refers to them as children! Francis had a lot in common with the rich man in our story, but he responded differently to Gods invitation to give away his wealth (an act his dad was not happy about). The promise of temporal blessings is tempered with the reference to persecutions (30). The truth always remains, however, that we are dependent on God for everything; we are fragile, unable to achieve total, lasting fulfillment by ourselves. Lk 9:37-43 centers attention on Jesus' sovereign power. (Ven. 23Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! 24The disciples were amazed at his words. Going to him and his delegates in the Church is the right thing to do when we need direction and light for our lives, but unlike the man in this encounter, we also need to be ready to accept whatever Christ tells us. Living below their means, they became quite wealthy. Amos worked full-time for much of his life as a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees (Amos 1:1; 7:14) in the village of Tekoa in the southern kingdom of Judah. We should not, however, imagine that Jesus will not ask something equally difficult of us. But our kind Redeemer, foreseeing that the minds of his disciples were disturbed, comforts them with the assurance of his resurrection. What more can I do, Lord, to live more fully the life you created me to live? A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. I preach to myself in this, but the rest of you may listen in as you will. This call is also shocking when contrasted with other calls to discipleship in the Gospels. A. Surely, surely, we have a reserved one-way ticket to Gods domain! Placing the commandment to honor parents last is unusual, perhaps harking back to Jesuss announcement earlier in the gospel about his true father and mother and siblings being found in the community of his followers, this emphasizing to the kneeling man that the community he wishes to enter is much more diverse and unusual than he may expect. He does not give the commandments in order, but places the fifth one concerning honoring father and mother last, and he alters the commandment against coveting to do not defraud, perhaps implying a meaning of depriving one of property, an example of coveting significant for a man of wealth. Hence our Lord with reason inquired, whether he had kept the commandments. 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