A rich young ruler devotional begins with a phrase easy to miss. Mark 10:21 (ESV) says, “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him.” Then Jesus told the man he lacked one thing and called him to give up his wealth and follow. Jesus’ hardest commands come from love.
Key Verse
“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’” (Mark 10:21, ESV)
An Eager Seeker
A man ran to Jesus, knelt, and asked what he must do to receive eternal life. He was sincere. He had kept the commandments since his youth. By most standards, he was a good person.
But he still sensed something was missing. That is why he came.
Looking and Loving
Before Jesus said anything hard, Mark tells us that Jesus gazed at him and loved him. That changes how we read the rest. Jesus was not trying to shame him. He saw the one thing holding the man back, and he loved him enough to name it.
When Jesus confronts something in your life, it is not because he wants to hurt you. It is because he wants you free.
You Lack One Thing
Jesus told him to sell what he had, give to people in need and come follow. His wealth was not the only problem. It was his god. He trusted it more than he trusted Jesus.
Jesus does not ask every believer to sell everything. But he does ask every believer to give him first place, and he knows what competes for it.
He Went Away Sorrowful
The man’s face fell, and he went away sad, because he had great possessions. He wanted eternal life, but not more than he wanted his wealth. It is among the saddest moments in the Gospels.
Notice that Jesus let him go. He does not force anyone to follow.
Possible With God
Jesus then said it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom. The disciples were amazed and asked who could be saved. Jesus answered that people cannot do it, but God can, because nothing is impossible for him (Mark 10:27). No one can let go of their idols by sheer effort. God’s grace makes it possible.
Today, Try This
Ask Jesus to show you the one thing you trust more than him. Write it down, then take one concrete step this week to loosen its grip, such as giving, fasting, or confessing it to a friend.
Reflection Question
What is the one thing you would find hardest to give up if Jesus asked?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you look at me with love. Show me what I am holding too tightly. Give me grace to let go and follow you. Do in me what I cannot do on my own. In your name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mark 10:21 mean?
In Mark 10:21 (ESV), Jesus lovingly tells a wealthy man that he lacks one thing: he must give up the wealth he trusts and follow Jesus. It shows that Jesus calls for wholehearted devotion.
Does Jesus want all Christians to sell everything?
Jesus’ command addressed this man’s specific idol. Not every believer is told to sell everything, but every believer is called to put Jesus first and hold possessions loosely.
Why did the rich young ruler go away sad?
He went away sorrowful because he owned so much and was unwilling to give it up to follow Jesus.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Gospel studies
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: our Bible study: Pearl of Great Price & Hidden Treasure Meaning
- Related: Parable of the Rich Fool Meaning (Bible study)
- Related: What Does the Bible Say About Money? Jesus’ Words
- Related: Parable of the Hidden Treasure Devotional
- Related: Devotional on Idolatry
- Bible Verses by Topic