What will it be?

Jesus looked at him and loved him.”  Mark 10:21

I grew up attending Sunday School and kids church for as long as I can remember.  One of the bible stories taught through the years was the story of the Rich Young Ruler.  Whether it was taught with a flannelgraph board and figures, or read out of a kid’s bible story book, the focal point stayed the same:  the young ruler loved his money more than following Jesus.  While this idea is true, there are some other things from this story that as of late have given me food for thought.  

There are three accounts of this story in the Bible – Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  But Mark’s account, includes some details that the other Gospels do not.  Mark says the young ruler ran to Jesus which does not seem important to us; however, in that culture, someone of a wealthy status did not lay down their royal grandeur to run to anyone.  Mark also tells us that when the young man got to Jesus, he knelt which symbolized respect and honor. 

But the main difference I noticed in Mark’s account that is not included in Matthew or Luke, is the above part of verse 21, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.”  

I imagine that Jesus was surrounded by people asking questions, people yearning for his attention, and those there to trap him with his teachings.  But during all that was happening, Jesus stops to not only speak to the man, but takes the time to see straight to the heart of this young man.  Jesus saw the issues of his heart - pride, his love of money, and prestigious status. Yet with all of this, Mark makes sure that we do not miss this vital piece of information - Jesus loved him.

The young man told Jesus that he had kept all the commandments since he was a boy.  He followed the law completely; but the young man knew there was more.  We don’t know if he had heard Jesus’ teaching at an earlier time; or, if the man just sensed that there was something missing in his life.  No matter the motivation, the young man asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  And Jesus, answered by saying

“…One thing you lack”, he said.  “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”

To me, the heart of the story is this:  Jesus loved the rich young man too much to not tell him the truth.  The young man was a good person.  But being a “good ole boy” was not enough to have eternal life.  So, Jesus cut straight to the heart of the matter and told this young ruler what to do to obtain eternal life.  The choice was given, and then. the choice was made.

There are people that do not know or have never experienced the love of God.  God’s love is pure.  His love does not manipulate someone to do what is right; nor does it sugar coat the truth of the Gospel.  Jesus’ love for you and for me is demonstrated in that while we were still sinners, Christ loved us so much that he died for us. 

Jesus sees you.  Jesus loves you.  And yes, today, Jesus presents the same message of truth to whosever will receive it:  follow me.