Mark Chapter 10 verses 17-22 (NIV)
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.’”
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
I have often wondered about Jesus’ initial response to the rich young man. Surely it was right that he called Jesus ‘good teacher’? Today I had a thought. Perhaps Jesus was testing the young man to see whether he regarded Jesus as more than that – that He was indeed the Son of God. The young man had seemingly done everything he could to follow the law, but that was not enough. Jesus wanted him to put Jesus first and to follow Him. The young man didn’t feel he could do that. For many ‘good’ people, they think it’s enough to do their best, but find it difficult when Jesus says that this is not enough. He wants us to give up our works and follow Him. Sometimes I think that it’s hard for “good people” to follow Jesus. We need to pray for those we know who fall into this category, that their eyes may be opened and they might see that they need Jesus too.
Dear Lord,
I always hoped that in time this young man would realise the truth and decide to follow Jesus. I pray for those I love who think that it’s enough to be a good person. Open their eyes that they might see their need for Jesus. I pray in His Name. Amen.