Mark 10: 17-30
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?’
18.Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
19.You know the commandments: You shall not kill; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.’
20.And he said to him, ‘Master, I have kept all these since my earliest days.’
21.Jesus looked steadily at him and he was filled with love for him, and he said, ‘You need to do one thing more. Go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’
22.But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
23.Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’
24.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!
25.It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God.’
26.They were more astonished than ever, saying to one another, ‘In that case, who can be saved?’
27.Jesus gazed at them and said, ‘By human resources it is impossible, but not for God: because for God everything is possible.’
28.Peter took this up. ‘Look,’ he said to him, ‘we have left everything and followed you.’
29.Jesus said, ‘In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel
30.who will not receive a hundred times as much, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land — and persecutions too — now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life.
Deeper Dive into the Passage
**Hypothesis 1:** The writer of Mark’s Gospel was conveying the radical nature of discipleship. In the context of the early Christian community, this passage highlights the call to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions. The audience, likely facing persecution and societal challenges, would find encouragement in the promise of eternal life despite earthly sacrifices.
**Hypothesis 2:** This passage underscores the difficulty of wealth as a barrier to spiritual growth. In the first-century Mediterranean world, wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s favour. However, Mark challenges this notion by illustrating that attachment to wealth can hinder one’s relationship with God. Today, this can be related to modern consumerism, where material possessions often distract from spiritual pursuits.
**Hypothesis 3:** The passage also serves as a teaching on the nature of God’s grace. The disciples’ astonishment at Jesus’ words about wealth and salvation reflects a common belief that wealth equated to divine blessing. Jesus’ response that “for God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27) emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human means. This message remains relevant today, reminding us that God’s grace transcends human limitations.
**Modern Interpretation:** In today’s context, this passage challenges us to examine our own attachments and priorities. Just as the rich man struggled with the idea of giving up his possessions, we might find it difficult to let go of our own comforts and securities. A modern example could be choosing to volunteer time and resources to help others, even when it means sacrificing personal leisure or financial gain.
**Historical Accuracy:** The account in Mark 10:17-30 is likely based on a historical encounter, though the exact details may have been shaped by the evangelist to convey theological truths. The core message about wealth and discipleship aligns with Jesus’ broader teachings, suggesting a strong basis in historical events.
Mark 10: 17-30
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?’
18.Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
19.You know the commandments: You shall not kill; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.’
20.And he said to him, ‘Master, I have kept all these since my earliest days.’
21.Jesus looked steadily at him and he was filled with love for him, and he said, ‘You need to do one thing more. Go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’
22.But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
23.Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’
24.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!
25.It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God.’
26.They were more astonished than ever, saying to one another, ‘In that case, who can be saved?’
27.Jesus gazed at them and said, ‘By human resources it is impossible, but not for God: because for God everything is possible.’
28.Peter took this up. ‘Look,’ he said to him, ‘we have left everything and followed you.’
29.Jesus said, ‘In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel
30.who will not receive a hundred times as much, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land — and persecutions too — now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life.
Deeper Dive into the Passage
**Hypothesis 1:** The writer of Mark’s Gospel was conveying the radical nature of discipleship. In the context of the early Christian community, this passage highlights the call to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions. The audience, likely facing persecution and societal challenges, would find encouragement in the promise of eternal life despite earthly sacrifices.
**Hypothesis 2:** This passage underscores the difficulty of wealth as a barrier to spiritual growth. In the first-century Mediterranean world, wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s favour. However, Mark challenges this notion by illustrating that attachment to wealth can hinder one’s relationship with God. Today, this can be related to modern consumerism, where material possessions often distract from spiritual pursuits.
**Hypothesis 3:** The passage also serves as a teaching on the nature of God’s grace. The disciples’ astonishment at Jesus’ words about wealth and salvation reflects a common belief that wealth equated to divine blessing. Jesus’ response that “for God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27) emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human means. This message remains relevant today, reminding us that God’s grace transcends human limitations.
**Modern Interpretation:** In today’s context, this passage challenges us to examine our own attachments and priorities. Just as the rich man struggled with the idea of giving up his possessions, we might find it difficult to let go of our own comforts and securities. A modern example could be choosing to volunteer time and resources to help others, even when it means sacrificing personal leisure or financial gain.
**Historical Accuracy:** The account in Mark 10:17-30 is likely based on a historical encounter, though the exact details may have been shaped by the evangelist to convey theological truths. The core message about wealth and discipleship aligns with Jesus’ broader teachings, suggesting a strong basis in historical events.
