According to the writing of Mark 10:17-22, There are two things in his presentation on this subject that captures one’s attention.
(1) The seeker came kneeling before Jesus in the street.
(2) He had great possessions.
It is interesting to see that this rich young man, generated this level of interest in kneeling before Jesus in the street in front of this large crowd that follows Jesus asking for salvation. At first, it reflects the behavior of humility until his sincerity was questioned by Jesus.
In verse 21 we are told that Jesus loved him. However, Jesus knew that his heart was heavily fixed on his treasure. We should remember what Jesus said in Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Was this rich young man ready to deny himself? It is based on the statement in verse 21 of Mark 10 when Jesus told him to sell all of his possession and give to the poor so that he would have treasures in heaven, then take up his cross and follow Jesus. So, let us ask ourselves this question can a rich man be saved? The answer is yes but, on the condition that Jesus must have the first place in our lives.
So, this rich young man who came kneeling down before Jesus in the crowd eventually walked away without salvation because he regarded his great possessions more important than salvation.
Is this a lesson to you?
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