People find Jesus’ life and teaching compelling—compelling enough to cause them to leave their fishing nets at the drop of a hat (or net!), to inspire men and women to ask deep questions about faith and life. Jesus’ life and teaching seems to capture people’s imaginations. This rabbi and teacher inspires seekers to come from near and far to find out more.
The man in today’s Gospel is one of those seekers. He doesn’t just look for Jesus—he runs, kneels, and brings heartfelt, probing questions to the traveling rabbi: “Good Teacher, what must I do to obtain eternal life?” (ceb). While the man asks in earnest, he also appears conflicted. Mark indicates that Jesus is aware the man’s priorities are out of whack. He has many possessions, which obviously come first. How does Jesus put it? Oh, yes, “You are lacking one thing.”
The story is familiar; we know how it ends. But notice what happens before the man hears Jesus’ charge to “go,” “sell,” and “give.” Before the charge and before the man leaves saddened and dismayed, Jesus sees the man’s earnest desire. He “looked at him carefully and loved him.” Often I have rushed past this verse to focus on the man’s greed, materialism, or inability to take a risk and surrender all. Today, I invite you to pause at this verse with me and ponder the beauty of a Savior who sees our shortcomings, our hang-ups, and our spiritual reluctance. We all have such things in our hearts at one time or another. Yet amazingly enough, Jesus knows us, sees us, and loves us. It is compelling. It is enough to make us want to run, kneel, seek, and, hopefully, with God’s help, leave all and follow.