In Mark 10:17-27, a rich young man approaches Jesus with earnest intent. He asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus looks at him, loves him, and replies, “Sell all you possess, give to the poor, and follow Me.” The call to part with his great wealth overwhelms him. He departs, sorrowful and disheartened. Abraham, the Old Testament patriarch, faced a similar test. God commanded him to offer Isaac, his cherished son. Each was called to part with something deeply personal and of extreme importance to them.
Abraham faltered early in life. He deceived others about Sarah and tried to hasten God’s plan for an heir. Yet he grew to trust God fully. When tested with Isaac, he obeyed. God blessed him by sparing Isaac, righteousness, and a lasting legacy. The rich young man lacks such trust, he clings to his wealth. Yet Jesus loved him still. His sad departure might not be the end. That love carries hope, as Abraham’s journey shows, faith can grow. In the biblical timeline, our young man might witness the Pentecost and be among the thousands to join the new church.
The rich young man in Mark 10 missed following Jesus in person and went away grieving. We too may falter, clinging to what God calls us to release. Unique opportunities may flit away and sorrow may attend us for a time. But God wastes no hardship. His love holds us fast. As Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
Jonathan Duncan
EFCC Member