Even though death is universal, there is something in our souls which refuses to accept this and which longs for eternal life. This is not surprising because God created us for life. However, as a consequence of Adam’s disobedience God banned access to the Tree of Life. Mankind has been searching for it ever since. Someone once asked Jesus what is the key to obtaining eternal life. In chapter 10, verses 17 through 23 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells us about it.
“As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.” Jesus looking at 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, taking up the cross.” But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!””
Jesus’ reply was unexpected. He asked why the man called Him good. Only God is good. There are many people who are willing to acknowledge Jesus as a great teacher, or even as a prophet. However, the truth is that we cannot call Jesus good without also recognizing that He is far more than just a man. In reality He is God come down to live among us. As Scripture says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17 NIV)
The man who came to Jesus may have only intended to seek His opinion or advice. But by calling Jesus ‘good’ he acknowledged Jesus’ divine authority. Whatever Jesus said to him would not merely be a suggestion; it would be a divine command. He had to follow it or disobey God.
Jesus, then recited something the man already knew – a portion of the part of the Law of Moses which we call the Ten Commandments. If someone were to keep the Law perfectly he would receive eternal life because God, Himself, said, “Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 18:5 NIV)
In spite of keeping the commandments the man still must have felt some lack or he would not have asked the question about how to obtain eternal life. Apparently the man was sincere because Jesus loved him and invited him to become one of His followers. It is worth noting that this is very similar to the invitation Jesus gave to His disciples. Jesus pinpointed the man’s lack when He told him to sell everything and give it to the poor. His problem was that though he kept the Law, it was only an external compliance. He kept the letter, and missed the spirit. Instead of depending on God, he was relying on his own efforts and his possessions to secure his place in eternity. By doing so he violated the most important of all the commands in the Mosaic Law: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV). Or, as it says in the Ten Commandments, “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3 NIV) The man went away sad because he put a higher value on his riches than on serving Christ. He could not bear to give up the temporary in order to gain the eternal. What about us? Are willing to give up our idols in order to gain eternal life?
In verses 24 through 31 Mark tells us the disciples’ reaction to Jesus comment about how hard it is for rich people to enter God’s Kingdom, “The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into God’s Kingdom! It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.” They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.” Peter began to tell him, “Behold, we have left all, and have followed you.” Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last first.””
The disciples’ reaction is typical of many people even today. If it is difficult for the rich to enter God’s Kingdom, then what hope does anyone else have? They thought that wealth was a sign of God’s blessing and favor. Jesus seemed to be saying that instead of a sign of God’s favor, wealth is often an obstacle to obtaining God’s favor. A rich man can’t enter the Kingdom any more than a camel can pass through a needle’s eye. Jesus’ point is that rich or poor, it is impossible for anyone to earn salvation or eternal life by his own efforts. If anyone is going to be saved or obtain eternal life it is only because God makes it possible.
The disciples were still thinking in terms of earning God’s favor by their good works. In contrast to the rich man who refused to part from his wealth, they had given up everything to follow Jesus. What would they gain for doing so? In reply Jesus said that anyone who gives up something for the sake of the Gospel will receive a hundred times more in return. However, we should not think of this in material terms. Jesus spoke of the new relationships and community one enters when he decides to follow. As He had previously said, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35 NIV) When we choose to do God’s will, we enter the same spiritual family as everyone else who does God’s will. Just as blood relatives help one another and share their possessions, so do the members of this spiritual family. When we enter this family, we gain far more than we gave up. However, the gain does not come without cost. We will also experience persecution. Are we willing to pay the price?
Jesus ended with warning: Many who are first will be last and the last first. In the context, those who cling to their wealth, or those who depend on their own good works to earn eternal life will be disappointed.