I Wanna Be Rich!

¹⁷ As Jesus was starting out on His way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to Him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸ “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. ¹⁹ But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰ “Teacher,” the man replied, “I have obeyed all these commandments since I was young. ²¹ Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you have not done,” He told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” ²² At this the man’s face fell, and he went away very sad, for he had many possessions. ²³ Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” Mark 10:17-23 (NLT)

As Jesus was on His final journey to Jerusalem, a man came running up to Him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17, NLT; see also Matthew 19:16; Luke 18:18). Matthew’s Gospel said the man asked Jesus, “what good deed must I do to have eternal life” (Matthew 19:16, NLT). Jesus asked the man, “Why do you call Me good? . . . Only God is truly good!” (Mark 10:18; see also Matthew 19:17; Luke 18:19). Jesus was God incarnate (human flesh) – Immanuel, which means, “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-5, 14; Philippians 2:5-8). God already clearly defined what is good in Exodus 20:1–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. To obey God’s commandments is to reflect God’s goodness. Jesus answered the man’s question and said, “you know the commandments: ‘Do not murder (kill), do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony (lie), do not defraud (cheat), honor (respect) your father and mother.’” (Mark 10:19, see also Matthew 19:19; Luke 18:20, quoting Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20). Matthew’s Gospel adds to the list of commandments, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19; see also Matthew 22:39; Leviticus 19:18). The man replied to Jesus, “I have obeyed all these commandments since I was young” (Mark 10:20; see also Matthew 19:20; Luke 18:21).

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) record a man coming to Jesus asking how to get into heaven – eternal life (see Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30). When we combine the facts from Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s Gospels, we learn that this man was wealthy, young, moral, and a religious leader—probably a member of an official council or court (Matthew 19:20, 22; Mark 10:17, 22; Luke 18:18, 23). This young man was accustomed to “doing” (Mark 10:19-20; see also Matthew 19:18-20; Luke 18:20-21). Obviously, this young rich religious ruler was earnest and sincere. However, the man’s approach to salvation centered on righteousness by works and not humble faith on God’s grace (Luke 18:9-12; see also Ephesians 2:8-9). No one can earn salvation, either by wealth or by poverty, but by God’s grace through faith in Him. In this passage, Jesus is not saying we are not to do good deeds and bear good fruit for God’s glory (see Matthew 3:8-10; Matthew 5:13-16; Matthew 7:15-23; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 2:12). The requirement to “obey the commandments” does not establish one’s merit before God but obedience to the commandments and good fruit is an expression of our true faith in God (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 2:10).

Jesus felt genuine love for this man as He looked at him (Mark 10:21). Then, Jesus said to the man, “You lack only one thing. . . go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor—and you shall have treasure in heaven—and come, follow Me” (Mark 10:21, TLB; see also Luke 18:22). In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus told the man, “If you want to be perfect” or “made whole or complete” to go and sell all his possessions, and give the money to the poor and he would have treasure in heaven (Matthew 19:21; see also Matthew 6:20). However, the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he was very rich with many possessions (Mark 10:22; see also Matthew 19:22; Luke 18:23). Jesus watched the young man leave Him (Mark 10:23). This passage is the only occurrence of someone refusing to follow Jesus after His gracious invitation. Jesus turned around and said to His disciples, “It is almost impossible for the rich to get into the Kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23, TLB; see Matthew 19:23; Luke 18:24).

In this story passage, Jesus quoted the second tablet of the Ten Commandments and loving others as yourself (Matthew 19:18-19; Mark 10:18-19, Luke 18:20, quoting Exodus 20:12-16; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 5:16-20). However, Jesus said nothing about coveting and the first tablet of the Ten Commandment. Jesus only quoted the Commandments that have to do with relationships with other people. The young rich ruler had obeyed the second tablet of the Commandments but not the first (Matthew 19:20; Mark 10:20; Luke 18:21).

Then, Jesus exposed the man’s true sin – greed! Sadly, the young man’s wealth and possessions were his god, his idol, and he would not give it up. Thus, the young man violated the first and greatest commandment – “You must not have any other god but Me” (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7; see also Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Nehemiah 9:6; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29; Ephesians 4:6). Even more, the young man violated the last commandment – “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21; see also Luke 12:15; Romans 13:9; Hebrews 13:5). God is “a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods” (Exodus 20:5, NLT; see also Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 5:9). God will not put up with rivalry or unfaithfulness (Deuteronomy 32:16, 21; Joshua 24:14-15). God wants our wholehearted love, faithfulness, devotion, allegiance, and obedience to Him first!

Jesus knew that this young man was covetous, and he loved material wealth, possessions, and position. As God, Jesus knows our hearts and thoughts (e.g., see 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 17:10; Luke 16:15; Revelation 2:23). By asking him to sell his goods, Jesus was forcing the rich man to examine his own heart and determine his true allegiance – God or money! With all of his good manners and moral character, this young man still did not truly “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37-38; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Mark 12:29-30; Luke 10:27). We are made whole and complete in God’s sight when we place God’ first and above all else.

Previously, Jesus taught we cannot love and serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13; see also 1 Timothy 6:6-10). Instead, we must “seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He (God) will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, Joseph of Arimathea and many others were wealthy individuals, but they also placed God FIRST with total heart devotion and not their wealth. Jesus wants everyone to love God supremely and to love their neighbors as themselves (see Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28; John 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3-7). Self-reliance, self-effort, and self-sufficiency with dependence on your wealth and possession will eventually lead to eternal death (read Psalm 37).

²⁴ This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. ²⁵ In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” ²⁶ The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. ²⁷ Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10:24-27 (NLT)

Jesus’ statement astounded and amazed His disciples (Mark 10:24; see also Matthew 19:25). In Jesus’ day, many believed that if someone was blessed with riches, they had God’s approval and were thereby assured of entrance into God’s eternal Kingdom. Thus, Jesus said again, “Dear children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24, TLB; see also Matthew 19:23; Luke 18:24). Then Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25, TLB; see also Matthew 19:24; Luke 18:25). Jesus saw that the young man’s allegiance, affections, and attachment to his riches were his hindrance to faith. Jesus’ disciples were confused and amazed (Mark 10:26; see also Matthew 19:25). So, the disciples asked Jesus, “Then who in the world can be saved, if not a rich man?” (Mark 10:26; see also Matthew 19:25). Essentially, the disciples were still trying to “do good deeds,” “work,” and “merit” their way into God’s Kingdom instead of coming like children who is totally dependent and trusting in God’s grace, goodness, and mercy (see Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). No one can earn salvation into God’s Kingdom because God graciously gives salvation to all who faithfully and obediently love Him and humbly trust and obey His Son, Jesus (see Luke 24:45-47; Acts 10:43; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 3:21-31; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:5; Titus 3:5). Without faith in God, it is utterly impossible to enter God’s Kingdom. “But with God everything is possible” (Mark 10:27, TLB; see also Genesis 18:14; Job 42:2; Matthew 19:26; Luke 18:27). Possessing wealth and riches do not keep people out of heaven. However, our trust and faith in wealth and not on the true and living God makes salvation difficult for the wealthy and powerful. Only total reliance and faith in God brings eternal life. Salvation is totally the work of God. Apart from God’s infinite goodness and grace, no one can be saved (see Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).

²⁸ Then Peter began to speak up. “We have given up everything to follow You,” he said. ²⁹ “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for My sake and for the Good News, ³⁰ will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. ³¹ But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” Mark 10:28-31 (NLT)

Peter began to say to Jesus that he and the other disciples had left behind everything to follow Him (Mark 10:28; see also Matthew 19:27; Luke 18:28). Jesus said, “Let Me assure you that no one has ever given up anything—home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or property—for love of Me and to tell others the Good News, who will not be given back, a hundred times over, homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—with persecutions! All these will be his here on earth, and in the world to come he shall have eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30, TLB; see also Matthew 19:29; Luke 18:29-30). Matthew’s Gospel added that Jesus said, “I assure you that when the world is made new, and the Son of Man sits upon His glorious throne, you who have been My followers will also sit on Twelve thrones, judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28, NLT). Essentially, Jesus gave His faithful disciples a marvelous promise of rewards in this present life and in the next life to come. Even more, Jesus’ disciples would even share Thrones when He established His Kingdom. Then, Jesus said, “This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:31, MSG; see also Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16; Luke 13:30). Those who flee sin and wickedness and “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. . . . Love your neighbor as yourself” are most qualified to enter and be great in God’s Kingdom (Mark 12:30-31, NLT; see also Revelation 21:27).

⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) ⁶ For He (God) raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. ⁷ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. ⁸ God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you cannot take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:4-10 (NLT)

References

Faithlife Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2012).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament. Due West Campus: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).