Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor… I. HE WENT AWAY FROM CHRIST, THOUGH GOOD. Alas that the moral should ever be separate from the holy. II. HE THOUGHT SO HIGHLY OF CHRIST AND YET WENT AWAY FROM HIM. III. HE HAD PURE AND LOFTY ASPIRATIONS AND YET HE WENT AWAY. Contentment in good is a sign of a poor aim, rather than a great achievement. His aspiration was weak, though pure. He was only partially prepared to do "the good thing." He had imagined performance rather than sacrifice. He looked to receive a lesson, not to enter a school. Like one who would gladly gain health and soundness at any cost, and then shrinks from the medicine and the knife — like one who feels quite strong and vigorous on the couch, and falls when he attempts to walk. Men may be dissatisfied with their spiritual condition. This comes to naught. They want instruction to go on; they receive instructions to begin anew. Instead of being improved, they haw to be detected. IV. HE WENT AWAY, THOUGH JESUS LOVED HIM. Jesus always is pleased with justice, goodness, truth; as far as they go, they are like Himself, and give Him joy. Jesus loved him: but He loved something more. Jesus may love you, and yet you may not attain to His righteousness and blessing. There is a point beyond which He cannot go with sinners, beyond which it would not be saving men, but forcing machines. V. HE WENT AWAY, ALTHOUGH HE DID IT SORROWFULLY. The sadness of loss — of disappointment — of self-conviction. "Ah! He is right." The sadness of shame. "He has seen through me — I have left Him. But the sorrow did not prevent his going. Jesus may but baptize you for the dead. You may die and yet mourn the loss of heaven. There are special times when we may be said to leave Christ. Such a time is that of deep religious conviction; when we are obliged by outward circumstances to take a stand. In leaving Christ we leave all. Let those who are following Him cleave to Him with full purpose of heart." (A. J. Morris.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. |
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