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 ECONOMIC CONTRAST - Not only is the disciple wannabe stunned
(lit. "shocked") by Jesus’ response, but the disciples are not far behind
with their astonishment. Wealth and honor were enjoyed by the privileged few, the very
ones who leisure time to pursue religious study and practice. How could such a person be
hindered from entering the kingdom of God? But for Jesus, God’s kingdom is entered by
the powerless and lowly, like children (10:5), rather than by the wealthy and famous. No
wonder everyone was shocked by his saying. [1]
UPSETTING CULTURAL ASSUMPTIONS - It is clear from gospel stories like
this that early Christians struggled with the issues of poverty and wealth. It is usually
assumed that the early Christians were drawn primarily from the bottom strata of the
economic scale. Though this may be true, it is also clear that they viewed wealth as a
sign of God’s blessing. The disciples appear to hold this view. Thus they are
incredulous when Jesus turns the rich man away. The disciples may have understood the rich
man to be among the first and the most important people in town. Jesus sees its
differently: " . . . many who are first will be last, and the last will be
first" (Mark 10:31). [2]
PRIORITIES IN THE KINGDOM - The story of Jesus’ meeting with a
rich man indicates that God’s priority is caring for those in need-and that the lures
of wealth and the temptation to ignore the poor are almost irresistible, as Jesus
explained in his comments on the parable of the sower (4:19) and as he develops further
here (10:24-31). They can choke even good seed that might b e productive. There is hope
for change only because with god all things are possible. [3]
 If
your house were on fire, what three items would you try to save?
What would you do if Jesus asked you to sell everything you had and give the proceeds
to the poor? a) have my hearing checked; b) compute my net worth first; c) Hold a garage
sale; d) look for loopholes; e) sweat profusely.
If Jesus were to evaluate your life, what would he say holds you back from being
totally committed to God?
 First
block-retell the story emphasizing Jesus’ word about the difficulty of riches.
Suggest how this story counters the expectations of our own culture.
Second block-move to one or more stories in Acts where we find the early church
struggling with this matter of wealth.
Final block-these stories challenge our culture’s stories about wealth and
poverty. Add your own experience or story that corroborates or reflects the struggle that
proclaimers as well as listeners have with wealth, poverty, and the gospel of Jesus.
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[1] The New Interpreter’s Study Bible (Abingdon Press, 2003), page 1829.
[2] Richard A. Jensen, Preaching Mark’s Gospel (Lima, Ohio: CSS Publ., 1996),
page 157.
[3] Donald Juel, Interpreting Biblical Texts: The Gospel of Mark (Abingdon Press, 1999),
page 132.
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