Mark 10:17-22 depicts a very brief meeting between this rich young man & the Lord Jesus Christ. Though brief, it is one of great importance because very essential principles pertaining to our lives can be drawn from this account.

In fact, as we meditate & examine this short conversation, we can actually rephrase the title of this sermon to “Jesus & the lovely, yet lacking young man” as you would have noticed in verse 21a: “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, & said unto him, One thing thou lackest…”

Indeed, this young ruler has many desirable & lovely attributes in him. Yet, it is utterly unfortunate that he lacks so crucial an aspect which disqualified him from the Kingdom of God — the love of the riches & mammon of the world rather than the Lord our God. Likewise, may our Lord correct &  direct our hearts to have the right focus & yearning in our lives.

As mentioned beforehand, it is time that we see the many virtues that lie within this rich young ruler. Indeed, he possessed almost everything that one desires — namely, riches, sound reputation, formal religion, etc.  Besides, it can be especially noted of his uprightness in moral virtues because he seemingly lacked nothing in the knowledge & the obedience to abide by the moral laws, i.e. the Ten Commandments. 

v19–20: “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. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.” 

It is of great rarity to find such a man of uprightness, decency &  temperance amidst the world where people are prone to immorality, impulsiveness, rashness & vileness. 

In addition to all these, it is also very true that this rich young ruler possessed the yearning for things which are spiritual. With sincere zeal for the truth of God's Kingdom, he sought spiritual insight to the most pertinent question of life after death.  “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (v.17b). His earnestness for the truth of God's Kingdom can be deduced to be of great sincerity in his conversation with our Lord Jesus. 

However, herein lies the very abrupt & sad turning point that each one of us ought to seriously consider. 

“… 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.” (v.21). 

Herein lies the weakest link, the most vital lack. The rich young ruler is truly lacking. He is deprived of the total submission & surrender to our Lord Jesus Christ. A great idol in his heart stood between him & the Lord Jesus.  “... for he had great possessions” (v.22b). Thus, this was his reaction — “And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved” (v.22a). 

How great a disappointment it is that this young ruler (& many of us) has fallen at this great stumbling block because he trusted in worldly riches & gains! Alas, he was rendered unfit for the Kingdom of God! “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!” (v.24b). 

Herein lies the heart treatment for many who trust in riches rather than the promises of God. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Timothy 6:10).  “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). 

Though not all of us may be materially rich like Abraham, yet how much ought we, as children of God, to be rich like Abraham in faith! Indeed, our individual hearts & affections should be placed upon our Lord Jesus. For it is within our hearts where our love for our Lord Jesus begins. Thus, may our hearts be ones which are renewed & purified enitirely from the love or the idols of the world. Truly, from thence, our Lord will surely bless & strengthen us by His grace. Likewise, may the lord guide us to serve & persevere in Him — solely out of love for Him. May God guide us. Amen!

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