The Man with the Possession Obsession: Mark 10:17-22

1. This man runs to Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. v. 17
   He was eager to talk to Jesus about this matter. Are we excited about our relationship with Jesus?

2. Jesus acknowledges that the young man knows the commandments. v. 19
   He was taught the law and commandments from childhood. We should study the scriptures so we know God’s plan for our lives.

3. The young man says “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” v. 20
   Although he obeyed the commandments, he must have felt there was something missing or he wouldn’t have sought Jesus out to ask him about this. There must be something more than following rules and doing good works. Do we seek God or do we seek religion?

4. Jesus looked at him and loved him. v. 21
   Can you imagine the look in Jesus’ eyes when he gazed at this young man with such love and compassion? You would think His look would melt even the hardest of hearts!  He loves us beyond imagining, even while we are still sinners. 

5. Jesus asked him to give up his treasure on earth and he would gain treasure in heaven. v. 21
   God will not ask all of us to sell everything we have like he did in this situation. There’s nothing wrong with having money and nice things as long as our priorities are in the right order. But Jesus knew that this man had a possession obsession – that he put his faith in his bank account, home and other possessions, not in God. He couldn’t realize God’s plan for his life until he got rid of all that was between himself and God.

6. He went away sad. v. 22
   This man chose to walk away from the incredible riches Jesus was offering. Jesus himself couldn’t convince him to choose eternal treasure over the worldly treasure that moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. His treasure was in this world and this world is where his heart was. (Matt. 6:19-21)

 We see people around us every day making this same reckless choice, and it breaks our hearts. For once you experience the saving grace of our eternal God, you would never trade it for all the riches this earth has to offer.

Grace and Peace to you,
Linda Kreider