In Mark 10, we follow the lives of two men. Financially they couldn’t be more different. Spiritually they have much in common. Their stories teach us much.
One is a rich man who has all his physical needs met (Mark 10:22); the other is a blind man who must beg for his food (Mark 10:46). The rich man approaches Jesus with ease; the poor man shouts over the crowds to be heard (Mark 10:47-48). The rich man falls to his knees and asks for eternal life (Mark 10:17); the poor man sits on his mat, begging for mercy (Mark 10:47). One is loved (Mark 10:21); the other affirmed (Mark 10:49). Both get to spend time with the Master.
Jesus talks to the rich man about obeying the Law. “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young,” the man replies (Mark 10:20). Jesus asks the poor man what he wants, and gets this answer: “My Rabbi, . . . I want to see!” (Mark 10:51). The first man is told to sell all that he has and give to the poor—a command he considers too hard (Mark 10:21-22). The second man, in contrast, throws aside his only coat (Mark 10:50) and soon experiences miraculous healing (Mark 10:52). The rich man is told to “go” sell his possessions, but declines (Mark 10:21-22); the poor man is told to “go” in faith, and follows (Mark 10:52). The rich man leaves sad; the poor man becomes a disciple.
Many lessons emerge from these two stories—namely, that wealth can be an idol that keeps us from God (Mark 10:25). But note the similarities again: Both men had a need, both thought Jesus held the answer, and both received His love. But only one man relinquished his life to follow Jesus.
Jesus loves us all. The tragedy is this: His love for us doesn’t guarantee our love for Him in return. Let’s do more than simply seek Him—let’s follow Him.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 9:1-41
More:
Compare the blind man’s story to James and John asking Jesus for the best seats in the kingdom (10:35-45). How do the two requests, and Jesus’ responses, differ?
Next:
What has Jesus asked you to relinquish in order to follow Him? What’s the difference between seeking and following?
lindagma on August 9, 2011 at 6:22 am
I’ve half-way understood this scripture about the rich man…today God opened my eyes. The rich man was depending on himself..his own talent…his wealth. What Jesus asked him to do was to deny self and rely on God.
I’ve NEVER been wealthy, but growing up under difficult circumstances, I dug in and fought hard for myself. The hardest thing I struggle with is trusting God to take care of my needs. My immediate reaction is to “take action.” Then, with determined will, I have to back off and give it to Him.
This was just what I needed today. I’m facing some real financial difficulties and I’ve been thinking in my head that God has a plan, I need to rely on Him. Thank you Lord for your word to me today and you’re assurance that you know better than I.
legacy07 on August 9, 2011 at 9:45 am
both were presented an option with a big risk factor.
me + risk = NOT a good mix.
but i want to be more like the blind man in that i can release my anxieties to the Lord and simply follow Him where He leads. i’ve been stuck in the same place because i fear the consequences of taking that next step in faith (whether it be failure or yes, even success); i don’t want to be that person anymore. i want MORE for my life than just the daily ins and outs of work.
right now i’m feeling that God may be leading me somewhere else. it’s a big deal because i’ll be moving away from home for the first time and also, i feel it might be somewhere outside of my city (even country). i’m praying that i will a) be discerning enough to know when/where and b) have the COURAGE to “throw aside my only cloak” and follow Him wherever He leads me.
tom felten on August 9, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Praying for you, legacy07. These lyrics by Christian songwriter Diane Thiel inspire me:
If You say go we will go
If You say wait we will wait
If You say step out on the water and they say it can’t be done
We’ll fix our eyes on You and we will come
Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid are good and true
If You call us to the fire You will not withdraw Your hand
We’ll gaze into the flames and look for You