Opting Out

October 25, 2009

Background Scripture: Mark 10:17 – 31
Lesson Passage: Mark 10:17 – 31

It seems not long ago that we were reviewing this particular incident in Sunday School. This passage of scripture tells of Jesus’ encounter with a rich young ruler. One needs to summarize all three accounts from the synoptic gospel writers to arrive at such a title. Luke refers to the man as a ruler while Matthew states that he was young. All accounts agree that he was indeed wealthy. These three descriptors, rich, young, and ruler make for a powerful concoction when confronted with the gospel. It is rare, even today, for a person to achieve all three at the same time. It is not so uncommon for one to have two of the three. Wealth often brings worldly influence and position but wealth and position typically come after many years of planning and hard work beyond our youthful years. On the other hand, when young people inherit wealth, it doesn’t always translate into the type of respect that offers influence and position. To be young, living large and in charge, is almost ideal from a worldly perspective. How many times did I wonder as a young man what it would be like to be wealthy and in charge? In fact, how many times as a young man did I wonder what it would be like to be wealthy OR in charge? The young man in our lesson today certainly seems as though he had it all. But what we see on the outside looking in can be very different from what the person on the inside is experiencing as he looks out. We see a young man who has all that the world has to offer but we are overlooking a young man who is in need of something that the world cannot offer him. He turns to the one who is able to meet his need, Jesus. Indeed, Jesus is the only one who has what the young man is looking for. So he comes to the right person. He also comes in the right way. The scripture says that he ran to Jesus and kneeled down before him. For a young person with so much going for him, this is a very humbling position to take in front of others. He also asked the right question. He wanted to know how to have eternal life. In other words, he wanted to know how to live beyond the typical lifespan experience. Note that he did not ask to be removed from this world nor from this life. Perhaps he just wanted to not die. If the life he was living was ideal, then perhaps the only thing bugging him was that his life would come to an end one day. Jesus then makes it clear that living good does not assure a person of living eternally. Jesus outlines from the Ten Commandments the behavior that defines good character and the young man acknowledged that he had done those things since his youth. Now the real requirement is presented to him. Jesus is the only way to enter eternal life and therefore it is necessary to follow him. Following Jesus may require turning loose or giving up some worldly things that may be a hindrance. What a tough choice this young man had to make. This choice could upset his Balance Sheet; His worldly Assets had become his spiritual Liability. His option was either this or that. He opted out of Jesus’ plan. What about you? Have you been presented with a tough choice concerning the kingdom of God?

Robert C. Hudson
October 14, 2009