I love the story of the rich young ruler as told by Mark (10:17-27) because it includes the words: "Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him." When he looks at you and me he feels genuine love for us! It is specifically stated that Jesus loved his disciples and especially John (13:1, 23); that he loved Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary (11:3, 5); and that he would love all who would come to love him (14:21). That's us! Apart from these references, we are left with this young man.

He asked Jesus: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" In essence, Jesus said: "Obey the Law of God perfectly and you will live." To which he confidently replied: "I have done this since I was twelve." Jesus recognized the presence of earnest sincerity in his heart, but maybe also insecurity, and said: "There is still one thing you haven't done."

At this point the last thing he would have expected was the very thing that Jesus demanded of him. In Judaism it was inconceivable that riches should be a barrier to the Kingdom; wealth was regarded as a mark of God's favour. But Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor and he would have treasure in heaven. "Then come and follow me."

"At this the man's face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions." He had looked into the eyes of the one who loved him enough to die for him, yet walked away. How sad is that? How deceitful wealth can be! Jesus said to his disciples: "It is easier for a [literal] camel [the largest animal found in Palestine] to go through the [literal] eye of a needle [the smallest opening imaginable] than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God."

"The disciples were astounded. 'Then who in the world can be saved?' they asked. Jesus replied, 'Humanly speaking it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God'". I love this verse because it assures me that my salvation is 100% dependent on God! I could never, ever, save myself!! It is the gift of God; by grace through faith! Works have nothing to do with it at all.

It is often said that Jesus doesn't demand of us all what he demanded of this man, but I disagree! At least, there is a general principle here that applies to us all. We cannot become his disciple without counting the cost and giving up everything we have (Lk. 14:25-33). When we receive him, all that we are and all that we have becomes his and we become his stewards. And what a joy that is!