Mark 10:17-27
May 30, 2021
17 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?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 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, honor your father and mother.’”
20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 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.”
22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Read Mark 10:17-19
Why do you think Jesus corrects the man when he refers to Jesus as ‘good teacher?’
In response to a question about inheriting eternal life, Jesus points to the commandments. How do you balance that with passages like Eph. 2:8 that tell us salvation is by faith through grace, a gift from God?
Do you find any significance to the fact that Jesus mentions some of the 10 commandments but not others?
Read Mark 10:20-21
In his response in verse 20, do you think the man was both honest and accurate?
Why does Mark include the detail that Jesus looked at the man and loved him?
As you read this passage, what is the one thing the man lacked? Be ready to explain your answer to the group.
Jesus gives the man specific instructions. Do you believe those instructions applies only and specifically to that man? Or do those instructions apply to anybody who wants to inherit eternal life? Explain your answer.
Read Mark 10:22-25
Based on this passage alone, how would you describe Jesus’ view of money and wealth? What other passages help us develop a more complete picture of Jesus’ view of money and wealth?
In your view, why do riches and wealth create difficulties for those seeking to follow Jesus and pursue eternal life?
Memorize Mark 1:27. Repeat it to yourself often.