Proper 23: Gospel, Mark 10:17-22                                         

Mark 10:17-22

Dear old Dr. Mitchell at the seminary loved this account. Coming as it does right on the heels of Jesus announcing that the kingdom of God must be entered like a child, the rich young man making inquiry regarding entrance to heaven is appropriate if not somewhat comical. Yes, we can chuckle at the Bible. When we think of Jesus' teaching regarding children, and his taking them into His very arms, you can imagine Jesus wanting this budding entrepreneur to come to Him just as badly. It is the way our Savior is.

Jesus launches the man into considering the commandments: “You know the commandments …” and continues to list those dealing with treatment of our neighbor, (10:18-19). In the King James Version, in Matthew’s accounting the young man defends himself, and I love the “lingo,” “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet” (Matthew 19:20)? Where does Jesus go next? To the man’s wealth and as Dr. Mitchell used to characterize the rest of the account, “He had a god. The young man had a god.” I can hear it in my mind’s ear like it was yesterday.

The man, like me and like you, was a good idolater. Easy it is for us to set things on the throne of our hearts that only our Lord should occupy. Take time to prayerfully read this text again. It is familiar to most of us, and if not, you’ll receive a great and important lesson. 

Holy Spirit of God,

Give us ears to hear and eyes to see.

Amen.