“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?”” Mark 10:17
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible and told in 3 of the Gospels, each with a bit different perspective. It is known as “The Rich Young Ruler” because Luke tells us that he was a “ruler” and “extremely rich”, and Matthew tells us he was “young”. This fact is a huge part of the story which you’ll see below.
Note the following in Today’s Verse: he “ran up to Him”, “knelt before Him”, addressed Him “Good Teacher”, and was concerned about “eternal life”. He was eager, humble, respectful, and heavenly minded. As a Christian, could you ever wish for a better opportunity to share the Gospel? Here in Mark we’re even told, “Jesus felt a love for him”. But He then gives him an unusual answer, “keep the commandments”.
Now why would Jesus do this? Are we saved by keeping the Law? Of course not. But Repentance is a Key here. This man thought he had done so. He says “I have kept all these from my youth up”! But he missed one; Covetousness! When Jesus told him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess” we’re told “at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving”. This man Believed Jesus was the Savior; he Had Faith! But he would not Repent, and thus, was Not Saved.
So easily missed and so important to the Gospel!