Life is full of decisions, many of them small and a few big ones, including who to marry and what career to pursue. The biggest decision, of course, is what to do about Jesus. In Mark 10:17-27, the rich young ruler once came to Christ, wanting to know what he had to do to inherit eternal life, and it was time for him to make a decision. There are four good points to notice about this young man.

First, the rich young ruler was under serious conviction (v. 17). He was convicted that he needed help. That is why he had to ask Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. I wish that all men and women would live under the same conviction. What a good start this man had realizing his eternal status!

Second, the young man also claimed to keep strict commandments (vv. 18-20). In v. 18, Jesus said that there was none good but God. The man called Jesus “good” and only God is good. If Jesus is good, then Jesus is God. He claimed to have kept the six commandments, yet he knew he was lacking.

Third, he had to make a specific choice (vv. 21-22). Jesus loved the man, but this man had an idol in his life: his riches. The man could not turn to Christ unless he turned away from his idol of money. He had to make a choice! Sadly, he chose to keep the money and therefore chose not to obey Christ.

Fourth, he became the subject of a sad commentary (vv. 23-27). The Lord, in a humorous hyperbole, likened rich people being saved to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. This is true whenever anyone substitutes the love of something else over the love of the Lord. The power of the gospel, though, can change a hardened heart. That is why all things are possible with God.

Kyle Campbell