The Rich Young Ruler

17 And as he is going forth into the way, one having run and having kneeled to him, was questioning him, 'Good teacher, what may I do, that life age-during I may inherit?' 18 And Jesus said to him, 'Why me dost thou call good? no one 'is' good except One—God; 19 the commands thou hast known: Thou mayest not commit adultery, Thou mayest do no murder, Thou mayest not steal, Thou mayest not bear false witness, Thou mayest not defraud, Honour thy father and mother.' 20 And he answering said to him, 'Teacher, all these did I keep from my youth.' 21 And Jesus having looked upon him, did love him, and said to him, 'One thing thou dost lack; go away, whatever thou hast—sell, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, be following me, having taken up the cross.' 22 And he—gloomy at the word—went away sorrowing, for he was having many possessions. 23 And Jesus having looked round, saith to his disciples, 'How hardly shall they who have riches enter into the reign of God!' 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words, and Jesus again answering saith to them, 'Children, how hard is it to those trusting on the riches to enter into the reign of God! 25 It is easier for a camel through the eye of the needle to enter, than for a rich man to enter into the reign of God.' 26 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying unto themselves, 'And who is able to be saved?' 27 And Jesus, having looked upon them, saith, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.' 28 And Peter began to say to him, 'Lo, we left all, and we followed thee.' 29 And Jesus answering said, 'Verily I say to you, there is no one who left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or fields, for my sake, and for the good news', 30 who may not receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and fields, with persecutions, and in the age that is coming, life age-during; 31 and 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.