Mark 10:17-31

by John Phillips (January-February, 2005)

We note the sorrow of the rich man (10:17-22):

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? (10:17)

We do not know why this man was in a hurry. He ran. He flung himself at Jesus' feet. Evidently, he had been greatly moved by something that Jesus had said or done. "Good Master!" he began. The word he used was didaskalos, "Teacher," or to use our modern title "Doctor." The parallel Hebrew term would be "Rabbi."

Luke, in recording this incident, calls the young man by the word archon, "a first one," that is, a man of prominence. The word was used to describe the ruler of a synagogue or an outstanding Pharisee (Matt. 9:18; Luke 14:1; 18:18). It seems also to have been used to designate a member of the Sanhedrin, a great man, or a prince. Evidently, the young man was someone of importance, which makes his homage to the Lord Jesus all the more remarkable. Many people in positions of authority, especially those who were connected with the Jewish establishment, were becoming increasingly hostile to Christ. Even those who were not actively His enemies tended to be patronizing. This young man, however, was eager to learn. As young as he was, as rich, and as influential as he was, he sensed a need in his life and had the good sense to come to Christ. He addressed the Lord as "Good Master," and doubtless he was sincere. The goodness of Jesus was self-evident to all who had eyes with which to see and ears with which to hear. It was probably in this very area of goodness that the young man sensed his own lack. He did not come to Jesus seeking some material benefit, as did so many other people. Rather, he came wanting to know what to do to inherit eternal life. He had inherited wealth, position, and influence — all of the things that people covet — but he had not inherited eternal life. So as rich as he was, he was poor, and as great as he was, he was lost.

His basic error is revealed in what he said. "What shall I do that I may inherit. . . . A person does not do anything to inherit; an inheritance is something that we receive as a bequest from someone else.