Mark 10:21

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, 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 (KJV)

Context

Jesus had been speaking with a man who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. After the man said he had kept the commandments from his youth, Jesus looked at him and loved him before giving the instruction recorded in this verse.

Meaning

The verse begins by stating that Jesus loved the young man. The Greek word for love here indicates a deep, benevolent love, revealing the compassionate heart of Christ even toward those who struggle with attachment to worldly possessions. His love demonstrates a desire for the young man’s spiritual well-being.

Jesus pointed out the one thing the ruler lacked—a willingness to relinquish his material wealth. The young ruler’s attachment to his possessions hindered his wholehearted commitment to God. The command to sell all and give to the poor was specific to this man’s situation, exposing his wealth as an idol that competed with Christ.

Jesus instructed him to go, sell all that he had, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow Him. The command was not meant to suggest that salvation is earned by works, but to expose the condition of the heart and challenge his priorities. It invited the ruler to let go of his wealth and follow Christ fully.

Jesus promised that those who obey would have treasure in heaven. By giving up earthly possessions and serving the poor, believers store up eternal rewards, emphasizing the value of investing in God’s kingdom rather than accumulating earthly wealth. This promise contrasts earthly riches with eternal reward.

Jesus also invited the ruler to take up his cross and follow Him, pointing to the cost of discipleship and the need for complete surrender. Taking up the cross involves denying oneself, enduring hardship, and following Christ’s example of sacrificial love. This language anticipates Jesus’ own crucifixion.

Biblical connections

The phrase “one thing thou lackest” shows that even a morally upright person can lack the total surrender required for the kingdom. The same instruction appears in the parallel accounts of Matthew 19:21 and Luke 18:22.

Application

Priorities: The story challenges us to examine our own priorities. Are we overly attached to possessions or worldly pursuits? Are we willing to let go of anything that hinders wholehearted commitment to Christ?

Generosity: Jesus calls us to a life of generosity. While not everyone is required to sell all possessions, the passage reminds us of the importance of using our resources to bless others and advance God’s kingdom.

Eternal Perspective: We should focus on investing in the kingdom of God rather than accumulating earthly treasures. Our ultimate treasure lies in our relationship with Christ and the eternal rewards awaiting us in heaven.

Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus requires sacrifice. We must be willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him faithfully, even amid challenges and hardships.

Reflection

Consider what might be the “one thing” that hinders your full devotion to Christ. The instruction to the rich young ruler is not a universal command for all believers to sell everything, but it illustrates the principle that anything that competes with Christ must be surrendered.