MARK 10:17-31
THE RICH MAN
Text – Mark 10:17–31
17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’”
20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”
21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
22 At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
28 Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.”
29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel
30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
31 But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Introduction
In this deeply moving encounter, Jesus meets a wealthy man who sincerely desires eternal life. His question—“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”—reveals both faith and misunderstanding: he views salvation as an achievement rather than a gift. Jesus, seeing his sincerity, loves him and invites him to go beyond mere observance of the law to total discipleship. The man’s inability to part with his possessions exposes the enslaving power of wealth. Jesus then teaches that salvation is impossible by human effort alone but made possible by God’s grace. This passage calls all believers to radical trust in God and detachment from material possessions for the sake of the Kingdom.
Historical and Jewish Context
The man who approaches Jesus is likely a respected and wealthy Jew who faithfully observes the Mosaic Law. In Jewish thought, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor (cf. Deuteronomy 28:1–14). Thus, the idea that riches could hinder entry into God’s Kingdom was shocking to Jesus’ audience. The commandments Jesus lists come from the second tablet of the Decalogue, dealing with human relationships. When the man claims to have kept all these, Jesus challenges him on the first commandment—to love God above all things—by asking him to renounce his possessions. The “eye of a needle” was a Jewish proverb meaning something extremely difficult, possibly referring to a small city gate through which a camel could barely pass by kneeling and being unloaded, symbolizing humility and detachment.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This Gospel reveals the radical demands of discipleship. Jesus’ invitation, “Come, follow me,” calls for complete surrender, not partial commitment. The Church teaches that wealth is not evil in itself, but attachment to it can enslave the heart and hinder love for God and neighbor (CCC 2544–2547). Poverty of spirit—the virtue of detachment—is essential for salvation. The sadness of the rich man illustrates the emptiness of earthly security when it replaces trust in God. Jesus’ assurance that “all things are possible for God” reveals grace as the source of salvation. Those who renounce earthly attachments for the sake of Christ will receive both spiritual and communal blessings in this life and eternal joy in the next.
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 6:19–21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but in heaven.”
Luke 12:15–21 – The parable of the rich fool who stores up wealth but not riches before God.
Philippians 3:7–8 – Paul counts all things as loss compared to knowing Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though he was rich, he became poor for your sake.”
Matthew 19:30 – “Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Key Terms
Eternal Life – Communion with God in His Kingdom, both now and forever.
Poverty of Spirit – Detachment from material possessions and total dependence on God.
Eye of a Needle – Symbol of humility and the difficulty of entering the Kingdom with attachment to wealth.
Discipleship – Following Jesus with undivided heart and readiness to sacrifice everything.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is often proclaimed during Ordinary Time and in liturgies focusing on stewardship, vocation, or discipleship. It invites believers to evaluate priorities in light of eternity. In the liturgy, the renunciation of earthly attachments is mirrored in the offertory, where bread and wine—fruits of human labor—are surrendered to God and transformed into spiritual nourishment. The call to “follow me” echoes through the Eucharist, where Christ continues to invite His followers to deeper union with Him.
Conclusion
The encounter between Jesus and the rich man exposes the tension between human attachment and divine calling. Wealth, comfort, and self-reliance can easily become barriers to God’s Kingdom. Yet Jesus offers hope: salvation is possible through grace, not human merit. True discipleship requires trust, sacrifice, and a willingness to let go of everything for the sake of Christ.
Reflection
What possessions, comforts, or ambitions hold me back from following Jesus wholeheartedly? True freedom comes not from what I own but from whom I serve. The Gospel challenges me to examine where my heart rests—on earthly treasures or in God’s eternal promise.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You looked upon the rich man with love and invited him to follow You. Help me to detach from all that keeps me from fully loving You. Teach me to find my treasure in heaven, where You reign forever. Give me courage to say “yes” to Your call and to trust that with You all things are possible. Amen.