Jesus Pronounces on Riches and Entry Under the Kingly Rule of God (10:17-31).
In this further example of His teaching Jesus' authority again comes out. He is depicted as the One Who lays down the rules for entry into the Kingly Rule of God. And it also illustrates something else. He has just been speaking of how it is necessary to receive the Kingly Rule of God like a little child, and now here was an important and wealthy man (Mark 10:22) who wanted guidance, and Jesus makes the demand that he forget all his encumbrances, and with the heart of a little child forsake all and follow Him. For the point was that he could not come and receive the Kingly Rule of God like a little child because his wealth got in the way. It prevented the Kingly Rule of God being of prime importance. So at the best any allegiance would have been a half-hearted allegiance as he tried to serve both God and Mammon (Matthew 6:24). And when he goes away disappointed (and Jesus was disappointed too) Jesus then goes on to point out that eternal life is not to be earned by dedication to good works. Rather it is a gift which is received by those who with unencumbered hearts follow Him. His point is that it is those who in their hearts have disregarded earthly things who will receive eternal life in the world to come. And why have they done this? It was ‘for His sake.' This was another huge claim to being unique. The thought is not that they receive eternal life because of what they have sacrificed. It is that their sacrifice reveals their love for Him, in that they do it for His sake, following Him in childlike trust. It is this love and trust which evidences that they are true servants of God. Thus they will receive eternal life.
Analysis.
a And as He was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and he knelt to Him (Mark 10:17 a).
b And asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to Him, “Why do you call Me good? none is good save one, even God” (Mark 10:18).
c “You know the commandments, Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honour your father and mother, and he said to Him, “Teacher, all these things have I observed from my youth” (Mark 10:19-20).
d And Jesus looking on him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack, go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow Me (Mark 10:21).
e But his face fell at the saying, and he went away sorrowful: for he was one who had great possessions (Mark 10:22).
f And Jesus looked round about, and says to His disciples, “With what extreme difficulty will those who have riches enter into the Kingly Rule of God!” (Mark 10:23).
g And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answers again, and says to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingly Rule of God!” (Mark 10:24).
f “It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingly Rule of God” (Mark 10:25).
e And they were greatly astonished, saying to Him, “Then who can be saved?” (Mark 10:26).
d Jesus looking on them says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).
c Peter began to say to Him, “Lo, we have left all, and have followed you (Mark 10:28).
b Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, There is no man who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for My sake, and for the gospel's sake, but he will receive a hundred times as much now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions, and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).
a “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Mark 10:31).