You are loved—but not mollycoddled!

When Jesus met the rich young ruler, he didn’t need a word of knowledge to ascertain his social standing. In that day, people wore their wealth—his fine clothing probably gave him away. Jesus may even have known him—perhaps he was the son of a notable king or tetrarch, or even a synagogue leader.

As Jesus started on his way, a man [described further as a ‘ruler’ and ‘young’ by Matthew and Luke] 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, honour 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 [Emphasis mine] Mark 10:17-31.

Having a prominent aristocrat prostrating themselves before Jesus may have been perceived by others as a great honour. Yet, Jesus’s response seemed indifferent. As always it was perfectly pointed—at the issues of the heart. How did this enthusiastic young nobleman measure righteousness, both God’s and his own? Clearly not as king Jesus did.

Unlike Jesus, the young man wasn’t prepared to step off his throne, humble himself and serve—to follow Jesus into a different kingdom with different priorities. He was unwilling to move from his noble path and its temporary treasures.

Jesus let him go. The young ruler was one of the many who are called but not one of the few chosen. Yet, even in his disobedience, he was loved—fully known and fully loved.

Jesus’s love for us is no different. It is a love that knows us, and challenges us toward holiness, even if it is ultimately rejected. Tough love. A father’s love. May we glean wisdom from this story and obey the king’s command—no matter what the cost. Let’s love Him with our surrender as he surrendered all for us. For as Jesus said, ‘If you love me, you will obey my commands’.