Mark 10:17
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?
Mark 10:17 (KJV)
Context
Jesus is on the road, continuing His journey toward Jerusalem (Mark 10:32), after blessing little children (Mark 10:13-16). A man runs to Him and kneels before Him, actions that show urgency, eagerness, and respect. The man addresses Jesus as “Good Master,” acknowledging His moral and spiritual authority, and asks, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
Meaning
The man’s question reveals a sincere longing for salvation and eternal blessedness. The phrase “inherit eternal life” is significant: an inheritance is not earned but received as a gift, implying a familial relationship with God and His grace. The man’s active approach—running and kneeling—shows that he is earnest in his spiritual seeking, not passive. His posture of humility before Jesus further underscores his recognition of Jesus’ authority to answer his deepest concern.
Jesus’ response in Mark 10:18-19 points the man to the commandments, emphasizing love for God and neighbor as the guide to righteous living. When the man claims to have kept these from his youth (Mark 10:20), Jesus, beholding him, loves him and says, “One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). This call goes beyond outward obedience to wholehearted discipleship, requiring surrender of all that hinders following Jesus. The command to sell and give reveals that the man’s possessions stood between him and full trust in God.
The man’s reaction in Mark 10:22—going away grieved because of his great possessions—shows the cost of discipleship. Eternal life is a gift, but it demands total allegiance to Christ. His sorrow demonstrates that even sincere seekers can be hindered by what they hold dear.
Biblical connections
This encounter connects to Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God and the cost of following Him. The call to “take up the cross” (Mark 10:21) echoes Jesus’ earlier words about self-denial and discipleship (Mark 8:34). The man’s attachment to wealth contrasts with Jesus’ warning about riches and the kingdom (Mark 10:23-25), showing that trust in possessions can hinder entrance into God’s kingdom. The connection between these passages is direct: the same call to follow Jesus that applies to the man applies to every disciple.
Application
This passage teaches that eternal life is not earned by human effort but received as a gift from God. It also challenges us to examine what we hold more tightly than Christ. Discipleship requires surrendering everything—possessions, status, and comfort—to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. The man’s sorrow reminds us that the cost of following Jesus is real, but the treasure in heaven far outweighs any earthly loss. We must ask ourselves what “one thing” might be lacking in our own walk with Christ.
Reflection
Consider the question the man asked Jesus: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Are we seeking eternal life with the same urgency and humility? Are we willing to let go of anything that competes with our devotion to Christ? Jesus looks on us with love, as He did on the man, and calls us to follow Him completely. The invitation stands for all who come to Him earnestly, but it requires a response that places Him above every earthly attachment.
