The Rich Man: Mark 10:17-31
Imaginative Contemplation
As Jesus was starting on his way, a man ran up to him, fell on his knees before him and asked, ‘Good master, what must I do to receive eternal life? The man was obviously excited. What had excited him? Why did he call Jesus ‘good’?
Jesus did not accept his praise, but referred him to God’s goodness. He then pointed the man in the direction of the ten commandments as the path to eternal life. Jesus seemed to be attempting to ground this excited man to look at practical ways of living a good life.
The man replied that he had observed all these laws since his youth. Jesus looked on him with love, and then challenged him; ‘You need only one thing. Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.’ How did the man feel when he heard this?
When he heard this, the man turned away sad, because he was very rich.
Why was he sad? Why was Jesus sad? Did the man own his money, or did his money own him?
Jesus looked around at his disciples and said, ‘How hard will it be for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God!’
The disciples were shocked at these words. Why were they shocked? Does Jesus’ response shock me too?
Enter into the scene
Some of my friends had been talking about Jesus. He seemed to be a natural leader, not afraid to confront some of our narrow-minded leaders. Then I joined the crowd one day and heard him valuing children, healing outcasts and insisting that love was more important than status. Excited as I was, I joined the crowd, running to catch up with them all. At last I found myself at the feet of Jesus. “Good master, what must I do to have eternal life?’ “Keep the commandments!’ said Jesus. ‘Which ones?’ ‘The ten major ones: love of God, love of neighbour.’ “I’ve done that all my life!’ I knew I had, and so did Jesus. I felt his love for me, and my heart leapt for joy. Then he placed his hand firmly on my shoulder and said, ‘If you want to be perfect, SELL all you have, GIVE it to the poor and FOLLOW me!’
I could hear the urging in his voice, but my heart sank. This was too much to ask. My head drooped and I turned away sadly. I could not give away my wealth to anyone.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
Sometimes we can be infatuated by a powerful speaker. Does this euphoria last? Where do we see this happening in the world today?
How do I react when I am praised?
How often do I reflect on the Ten Commandments as directions for my life?
Am I attached to my possessions?
When I consider people who are materially poor, do I make judgements about them?
Jesus allowed the man to leave him. God respects our free will.
What do I value most in my life? What does Jesus think of my values?
Prayer
Lord, all things are possible to you. Give me the wisdom to seek and find the things that you value. Teach me to prefer people over possessions, good actions over empty promises, forgiveness over retaliation. Amen.