17 And as he went forth into the way, a person ran up to [him], and kneeling to him asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 But Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? no one is good but one, [that is] God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answering said to him, Teacher, all these things have I kept from my youth. 21 And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, One thing lackest thou: go, sell whatever thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, [taking up the cross]. 22 But he, sad at the word, went away grieved, for he had large possessions. 23 And Jesus looking around says to his disciples, How difficultly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. And Jesus again answering says to them, Children, how difficult it is that those who trust in riches should enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, saying to one another, And who can be saved? 27 But Jesus looking on them says, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God. 28 Peter began to say to him, Behold, we have left all things and have followed thee. 29 Jesus answering said, Verily I say to you, There is no one who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, [or wife], or children, or lands, for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, 30 that shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time: houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions, and in the coming age life eternal. 31 But many first shall be last, and the last first.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 10:17-31
Commentary on Mark 10:17-22
(Read Mark 10:17-22)
This young ruler showed great earnestness. He asked what he should do now, that he might be happy for ever. Most ask for good to be had in this world; any good, Matthew 6:24, Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Commentary on Mark 10:23-31
(Read Mark 10:23-31)
Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world, will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are allowed to keep in his service.