Rich Young Ruler
READ
In a single scene, Mark contrasts two radically different approaches to Jesus – children being brought for blessing and a wealthy young man seeking eternal life. The stark difference in their receptions reveals profound truths about entering God's kingdom.
Let’s take a moment to read Mark 10:13-22:
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
REFLECT
While the disciples attempted to block the children, Jesus became indignant, declaring that the kingdom belongs to "such as these." What makes childlike faith so precious to Jesus? Children come with empty hands, no pretense of self-sufficiency, and complete dependence on others. They haven't yet learned to mask their needs or project false competence. In their vulnerability and trust, they model the very heart of faith – receiving grace as pure gift rather than earned reward.
The rich young ruler arrives with a different posture entirely. Though sincere in his seeking and moral in his living, he comes clutching his wealth, status, and religious achievements. His question – "What must I do?" – reveals a fundamental misunderstanding. He sees eternal life as something to achieve rather than receive, missing the childlike dependence Jesus just praised.
Jesus' love for this earnest seeker shines through the text. Looking at him with deep affection, Jesus identifies the one thing holding him back – his wealth has become his security, his identity, his god. The invitation to sell everything wasn't about the inherent evil of possessions but about removing whatever prevents childlike trust in God alone.
The beauty of Jesus' approach lies in His gentleness paired with uncompromising truth. He doesn't reject the man's sincerity or condemn his wealth. Instead, He lovingly exposes what stands between this seeker and true discipleship. Like a skilled surgeon identifying a tumor, Jesus points to what must be removed for spiritual health.
Both encounters highlight the essence of faith – complete dependence on God. Children model this naturally, while adults often struggle to unlearn self-reliance. The young man's departure illustrates how even good things – wealth, moral living, religious devotion – can become barriers when they replace childlike trust in God.
For modern readers, these paired stories prompt deep reflection. Many approach God like the rich young ruler – asking what they must do, offering their moral resume, clutching various forms of security. Jesus' response remains consistent: entrance to His kingdom requires empty hands and childlike hearts.
The radical nature of Jesus' message confronts every generation. In a world that prizes self-sufficiency, achievement, and security, embracing childlike dependence feels counterintuitive. Yet Jesus insists this very quality marks those who truly belong to God's kingdom.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
What "wealth" in your life – whether material possessions, achievements, relationships, or reputation – might be preventing you from approaching God with childlike trust and dependence?
How does seeing faith as receiving rather than achieving challenge your current approach to spiritual life? What would it look like to embrace more childlike trust in your relationship with God?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Lord Jesus, strip away my adult pretenses and teach me childlike faith. Remove whatever I clutch instead of fully trusting You. Thank you for looking at me with love even when You must confront what holds me back. Give me courage to open my hands and heart, receiving Your kingdom as a little child. Amen.