Belgian Biblestudents – Belgische Bijbelstudenten

Mark 10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 10:17-22 – Sell and Give to Poor

Mark 10:17-22 – Sell and Give to Poor

|| Matthew 19:16-22;[1] Luke 18:18-23

MK10:17 Now after Jesus had continued on his travels, a man came running up to him and fell on his knees. He pleaded: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit everlasting life?” MK10:18 Then Jesus said to him: “Why do you call me ‘good’?[2] No one is ‘good’ but One – the God![3] MK10:19 You know the commandments? ‘Do not murder! Do not commit adultery! Do not steal! Do not testify falsely! Honor your father and mother!’” [Exodus 20:12-16][4] MK10:20 Now the man answered Jesus: “Teacher, I have kept all of these[5] [commandments] since I was a child!” MK10:21 Jesus studied him with loving concern[6] and then said: “You lack one thing. Leave now and go sell every thing you possess and give the money to the poor[7] – then you will have treasure in heaven. [Afterward] return, [[shoulder your own stake,]][8] and then follow me.”[9] MK10:22 Now this statement made the man very sad[10] and so he left grieving, for he had many possessions.

*

[1] Matthew 19:16-22: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Why do you call me ‘good’: Had Jesus been God himself he could not have even posed the question, for the answer would be obvious. While Messiah is called the “Righteous One” he is never called “Good.”

[3] No one is ‘good’ but One – the God: Jesus is in no way “God.” Whatever goodness Jesus possessed he received from the Absolute Source of all Goodness – the God [HO THEOS]. Only “the God” is perfect and absolute goodness. All others must receive from His goodness.

[4] Exodus 20:12-16: Jesus quotes from the Ten Commandments. We note he omits two commands that many would consider premier – God’s Name and the Sabbath.

[5] I have kept all of these: He had never murdered, never committed adultery, never stolen anything, never lied as a witness, and always cared respectfully for his parents. By any basis of judgment among civilized nations, this Jews was an outstanding human being.

[6] Jesus studied him with loving concern: Or, KJV: beholding him loved him; BER: looking at him, prized him dearly; PME: looked steadily at him, and his heart warmed toward him. The Greek is EGAPESEN and may be without emotion or sentiment. Jesus is interest and concerned about the man and now takes positive action to seek his highest good – even though this may not be received well.

[7] Go sell every thing you possess and give the money to the poor: Jesus has said the same to his “little flock” of personal disciples. See notes on Luke 12:32, 33. This rich man must do this BEFORE he even becomes an intimate follower of Jesus. It is a challenge for all Christians do research the words riches, money, and possessions. See notes on Acts 4:32-37 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

[8] Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

[9] And then follow me: The man must first do all that Jesus asked, and only after that, even begin to follow him.

[10] Made the man very sad: Or, countenance fell, brow darkened, face clouded, somber look.

+

Preceding

Matthew 19:16-24 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Difficulty of Rich Entering the Kingdom

Mark 10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 10:1-12 – Pharisees Debate About Divorce

Mark 10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 10:13-16 – Kingdom Belongs to Child-like

+

Additional reading

1. Memorizing wonderfully 63: 1 Corinthians 6:9 – Be not deceived for The Kingdom of God
2. Thought for today in CoViD times: He looked round about (Peter Banyard)
3. Today’s thought “Peace, peace, when there is no peace” (July 18)
4. Today’s thought “You stiff necked people” (April 30)
5. To remember (or not to forget): God is!

+++

Related

1. Is Your Heart Set On The Things Of This World? Or Are You Investing In Eternal Life?
2. Scriptural Meditation- Mark 10:21
3. Let Them Come!
4. Astonishing Words About Wealth
5. The Peril of Having Too Much – Mark 10:17-22
6. The Rich Young Man
7. Far More Wealth
8. Mammon
9. Good isn’t Perfect, Perfect isn’t Good
10. Super Quick Bible Study: Good vs. Decent
11. This Mile’s for You
12. Questions of the Soul
13. Goodness Gracious
14. Money in Mark’s Gospel
15. Who Rules Your Life?
16. Who Are You Serving?
17. Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-31) Sunday School Lesson and Activities
18. Being Needy for Jesus
19. Come, Follow Jesus!