Mark 10:21 Study Bible: Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross."

◄ Mark 10:21 ►

Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, "There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."

Study Bible

Jesus looked at him
This phrase indicates a moment of deep, personal connection. The Greek word for "looked" is "emblepo," which implies an intense, penetrating gaze. Jesus' look is not merely a glance but a profound, compassionate observation. In the context of the Gospels, Jesus often looks at individuals with an understanding of their hearts and intentions. This look signifies His awareness of the young man's earnestness and spiritual hunger.

loved him
The Greek word used here is "agapao," which denotes a selfless, unconditional love. This is the only instance in the Gospel of Mark where it explicitly states that Jesus loved someone in this manner. It underscores the depth of Jesus' compassion and concern for the young man's spiritual well-being. This love is not based on the young man's actions or status but on his potential and the sincerity of his quest for eternal life.

and said
This phrase introduces Jesus' response, which is both a challenge and an invitation. The Greek "lego" implies a deliberate and authoritative statement. Jesus' words are not casual; they are intentional and carry the weight of divine wisdom. His speech is a call to action, requiring the young man to make a significant life decision.

You lack one thing
Here, Jesus identifies a deficiency in the young man's spiritual life. The Greek word "hustereo" means to fall short or to be deficient. Despite the young man's adherence to the commandments, there is a crucial element missing in his relationship with God. This statement invites introspection, urging the young man to consider what truly holds him back from complete devotion.

Go, sell everything you own
This command is radical and counter-cultural, especially in a society where wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor. The Greek "poreuomai" (go) suggests a journey or a significant change in direction. Jesus is calling the young man to relinquish his earthly attachments, symbolized by his possessions, to gain something far greater. This echoes the biblical theme of sacrifice and the call to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth.

and give to the poor
The act of giving to the poor is a tangible expression of love and obedience. The Greek "didomi" (give) implies a generous, voluntary act. This command aligns with the biblical principle of caring for the marginalized and reflects the heart of God, who is compassionate and just. By giving to the poor, the young man would demonstrate a shift in values from self-centeredness to selflessness.

and you will have treasure in heaven
This promise contrasts earthly wealth with eternal rewards. The Greek "thesauros" (treasure) refers to something of great value stored up. Jesus assures the young man that his sacrifice will not be in vain; it will result in spiritual riches that far surpass any earthly gain. This echoes the teachings of Jesus on storing up treasures in heaven, where they are imperishable.

Then come, follow Me
This is the ultimate invitation to discipleship. The Greek "akoloutheo" (follow) means to accompany or to join as a disciple. Jesus is not merely asking for a one-time act of obedience but a lifelong commitment to walk in His footsteps. This call to follow is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing a personal relationship with Christ and a life dedicated to His teachings and mission.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who speaks to the rich young man. He is portrayed as compassionate and insightful, understanding the man's heart and what he lacks.

2. Rich Young Man
A man who approaches Jesus seeking eternal life. He is wealthy and has kept the commandments since his youth, yet he feels something is missing.

3. Disciples
Although not directly addressed in this verse, they are present and later react to Jesus' teaching about wealth and the kingdom of God.

4. Jerusalem
While not mentioned in this specific verse, the broader context of Mark 10 includes Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, where He will ultimately face crucifixion.

5. The Kingdom of God
The ultimate goal and promise that Jesus speaks about, which the rich young man is seeking to inherit.

Teaching Points

The Heart of Discipleship
Jesus' call to the young man to sell his possessions and follow Him highlights that true discipleship requires a heart fully devoted to Christ, free from the bondage of material wealth.

The Challenge of Wealth
Wealth can be a significant barrier to entering the kingdom of God. It often leads to self-reliance rather than reliance on God.

Eternal Perspective
Jesus invites us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, encouraging believers to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary riches.

Love and Compassion
Jesus looked at the young man and loved him, showing that His challenging words were spoken out of genuine love and desire for the man's ultimate good.

The Cost of Following Jesus
Following Jesus may require significant sacrifices, but the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary costs.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Jesus' instruction to the rich young man reveal about the relationship between wealth and discipleship?

2. How can we identify and address the "one thing" we may lack in our own spiritual journey, similar to the rich young man?

3. In what ways can we store up treasures in heaven in our daily lives, as Jesus instructs?

4. How does Jesus' love for the rich young man challenge us to approach others with truth and compassion?

5. Reflect on a time when following Jesus required a personal sacrifice. How did that experience impact your faith and relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 19:21 and Luke 18:22
These parallel accounts of the rich young ruler provide additional context and emphasize the same teaching about wealth and discipleship.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul speaks about counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ, which echoes Jesus' call to the rich young man to give up his possessions.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Paul advises the wealthy to be generous and to store up treasures in heaven, aligning with Jesus' instruction to the young man.

James 2:14-17
James discusses faith and works, highlighting the importance of action in living out one's faith, similar to Jesus' call for the young man to act on his faith.

Sermons

A Good Natural Character Without Religion	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 10:21
A Severe Test	T. Guthrie, D. D., J. Parker, D. D.	Mark 10:21
A Special Precept, Given as a Test	G. C. Tomlinson.	Mark 10:21
Amiable Qualities in the Unregenerate	T. Manton, D. D.	Mark 10:21
Apostolic Poverty	Archdeacon Farrar.	Mark 10:21
Christ Left Sorrowfully	A. J. Morris.	Mark 10:21
Christ's Answer	T. Manton, D. D.	Mark 10:21
Consecration of All to Christ	Lyman Abbot, D. D.	Mark 10:21
Following Christ	T. Manton, D. D.	Mark 10:21
Give God Thy Heart, and He Will Reward Thee with Heaven	A. Bennie.	Mark 10:21
Giving to the Poor		Mark 10:21
How to Treat Wealth	Anon.	Mark 10:21
Importance of the One Thing Lacking	T. Guthrie, D. D.	Mark 10:21
Man Good in the Lower Relationships of Life	A. J. Morris.	Mark 10:21
On Discerning Good in Others	H. W. Burrows.	Mark 10:21
One Defect Fatal	T. J. Holmes.	Mark 10:21
One Habitual Fault May Vitiate the Whole Life	G. Swinnock.	Mark 10:21
One Thing Lacking	J. Garbett.	Mark 10:21
One Thing Thou Lackest	H. W. Beecher.	Mark 10:21
One Thing Thou Lackest	Christian Globe.	Mark 10:21
One Thing Thou Lackest	A. Rowland	Mark 10:21
Sermon to the Young	J. Bennett, D. D.	Mark 10:21
The Christian Taking Up His Cross	C. Bradley, M. A.	Mark 10:21
The Defective Amiabilities of the Young	John Mitchell, D. D.	Mark 10:21
The Young Ruler, Whom Jesus Loved	D. Moore, M. A.	Mark 10:21
Whole-Hearted Allegiance Necessary	Lyman Abbot, D. D.	Mark 10:21
The Excellences of the Young Ruler	A. Rowland	Mark 10:17-21
A Defective Character	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Mark 10:17-22
A Good Answer, If True	T. Manton, D. D.	Mark 10:17-22
All These have I Observed from My Youth	B. Beddome, M. A.	Mark 10:17-22
Character Tests	W. M. Taylor, D. D.	Mark 10:17-22
Commandment Keeping	T. T. Lynch.	Mark 10:17-22
Ebb and Flood	T. T. Lynch.	Mark 10:17-22
Eternal Life a Gift	Lyman Abbot, D. D.	Mark 10:17-22
Gain Though Loss	T. T. Lynch.	Mark 10:17-22
Glad Though Grieved	T. T. Lynch.	Mark 10:17-22
Life Eternal	A. Watson, D. D.	Mark 10:17-22
No Heaven Without Merit	T. T. Lynch.	Mark 10:17-22
On Characters of Imperfect Goodness	Hugh Blair, D. D.	Mark 10:17-22
Privilege a Trial	T. T. Lynch.	Mark 10:17-22
The Beauty of an Amiable Character	T. T. Lynch.	Mark 10:17-22
The Disease Pointed Out	A. Watson, D. D.	Mark 10:17-22
The Goodness of God		Mark 10:17-22
The Great Inquiry	A.F. Muir	Mark 10:17-22
The Great Refusal	W. M. Taylor, D. D.	Mark 10:17-22
The Rich Young Man's Question and Carriage	S. Charnocke, B. D.	Mark 10:17-22
The Rich Young Ruler	R. Green	Mark 10:17-22
The Splendid Young Man	Dr. Talmage.	Mark 10:17-22
Virtue Dependent Upon Wealth	T. T. Lynch.	Mark 10:17-22
The Rich Man's Temptation	E. Johnson	Mark 10:17-23
The Rich Young Ruler's Refusal	J.J. Given	Mark 10:17-31

People

Bartimaeus, David, James, Jesus, John, Peter, Timaeus, Zabdi, Zebedee

Places

Jericho, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Road to Jerusalem

Topics

Beholding, Cross, Felt, Follow, Follower, Goods, Hast, Heaven, Lack, Lackest, Lacking, Love, Loved, Loving, Money, Needed, Poor, Possess, Proceeds, Riches, Sell, Taking, Treasure, Wealth, Whatever, Whatsoever

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Mark 10:21

     2048   Christ, love of
     5013   heart, divine
     5149   eyes
     5230   beggars
     5355   invitations
     5449   poverty, remedies
     5492   restitution
     5556   stewardship
     5591   treasure
     5844   emotions
     7622   disciples, characteristics
     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8120   following Christ
     8209   commitment, to Christ
     8243   ethics, social
     8401   challenges
     8436   giving, of possessions
     8463   priority, of faith, hope and love
     8481   self-sacrifice
     8497   witnessing, approaches

Mark 10:13-31

5554 status

Mark 10:17-21

8116 discipleship, cost
8142 religion

Mark 10:17-22

     2426   gospel, responses
     5503   rich, the
     8131   guidance, results
     8822   self-justification

Mark 10:17-23

Mark 10:17-30

5381 law, letter and spirit

Mark 10:21-22

     5938   sadness
     6106   addiction
     8410   decision-making, examples
     8744   faithlessness, as disobedience
     8810   riches, dangers

Mark 10:21-23

5399 luxury

Mark 10:21-25

2363 Christ, preaching and teaching

Library

June 21 Morning
Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps.--I Peter 2:21. Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.--Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good.--Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The meekness and gentleness of Christ.--In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do.--Be …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path
June 19 Evening
Gold tried in the fire.--REV. 3.18. There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.--Now for …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path
Christ on the Road to the Cross
'And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed they were afraid.' --Mark x. 32. We learn from John's Gospel that the resurrection of Lazarus precipitated the determination of the Jewish authorities to put Christ to death; and that immediately thereafter there was held the council at which, by the advice of Caiaphas, the formal decision was come to. Thereupon our Lord withdrew Himself into the wilderness which stretches south …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture
Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.'--Mark x. 46. The narrative of this miracle is contained in all the Synoptical Gospels, but the accounts differ in two respects--as to the number of men restored to sight, and as to the scene of the miracle. Matthew tells us that there were two men healed, and agrees with Mark in placing the miracle as Jesus was leaving Jericho. Mark says that there was one, and that the place was outside the gate in departing. Luke, on the other …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture
An Eager Coming
'And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.'--Mark x. 50. Mark's vivid picture--long wail of the man, crowd silencing him, but wheeling round when Christ calls him--and the quick energy of the beggar, flinging away his cloak, springing to his feet--and blind as he was, groping his way. I. What we mean by coming to Jesus:--faith, communion, occupation of mind, heart, and will. II. How eagerly we shall come when we are conscious of need. This man wanted his eyesight: do we not want …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture
Love's Question
'What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51. 'What wilt Thou have me to do!'--Acts ix. 6. Christ asks the first question of a petitioner, and the answer is a prayer for sight. Saul asks the second question of Jesus, and the answer is a command. Different as they are, we may bring them together. The one is the voice of love, desiring to be besought in order that it may bestow; the other is the voice of love, desiring to be commanded in order that it may obey. Love delights in knowing, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture
Children and Childlike Men
'And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.' --Mark x. 13-15. It was natural that the parents should have wanted Christ's blessing, so …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture
Almost a Disciple
'And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him. Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life! 18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou Me good! there is none good but one, that is, God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto Him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture
Dignity and Service
'And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36. And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37. They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory. 38. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of! and he baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with! 39. And they said …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture
November the Second Leading to Christ
"Suffer little children to come unto Me." --MARK x. 13-22. "Unto Me!" We must not keep them at any half-way house. We are so prone to be satisfied if only we bring them a little way along the road. If we get them to pray! If we get them to attend the Lord's house! If we get them to be truthful and gentle! All of which is unspeakably good. It is a blessed thing to be in "the ways of Zion"; it is a far more blessed thing to be in the palace with Zion's King and Lord. When we are dealing with little …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year
The Lord Our Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:6 -- "The Lord our Righteousness." Whoever is acquainted with the nature of mankind in general, or the propensity of his own heart in particular, must acknowledge, that self- righteousness is the last idol that is rooted out of the heart: being once born under a covenant of works, it is natural for us all to have recourse to a covenant of works, for our everlasting salvation. And we have contracted such devilish pride, by our fall from God, that we would, if not wholly, yet in part at …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield
Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font
The Scripture before us is by several of the champions on the other side exhibited to the people as a rebuke to me. Their reasoning is rather ingenious than forcible: forsooth, because the disciples incurred the displeasure of Jesus Christ by keeping back the little children from coming to Him, therefore Jesus Christ is greatly displeased with me, and with all others like me, for keeping children from the font, and the performance there enacted; and specially displeased with me for exposing the Anglican …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864
The Blind Beggar
This morning I shall address myself most particularly to the poor and blind souls here to-day. The poor blind man's faith described in this passage of Scripture, is a fit picture of the faith which I pray God you may be enabled to exert to the saving of your souls. We shall notice the origin of his faith, how his faith perceived its opportunity when Jesus passed by; we shall listen to his faith while it cries and begs; we shall look upon his faith while it leaps in joyous obedience to the divine …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859
The Hardness of the Way.
"Children, how hard is it!"--St. Mark x. 24. I suspect there is scarcely a young man rich and thoughtful who is not ready to feel our Lord's treatment of this young man hard. He is apt to ask, "Why should it be difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven?" He is ready to look upon the natural fact as an arbitrary decree, arising, shall I say? from some prejudice in the divine mind, or at least from some objection to the joys of well-being, as regarded from the creatures' side. …
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons
The Domestic Relation.
When we speak of home life with its relations and duties we are not digressing from the subject of gospel light. Nowhere does the light of Christianity shine so peaceful and beautiful as in the home. Nowhere is the power of its influence so felt as in the home circle. The public worship of Christians is an inspiring scene, but nothing apparently is so heavenly as the sacred family altar. A father and mother whose hearts are filled with holy love together with happy, obedient children bowing together …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day
The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul
The Value of Life
Whatever our present conceptions of Jesus Christ may be, we ought to approach our study of his teachings with a sense of reverence. With the slenderest human means at his disposal, within a brief span of time, he raised our understanding of God and of human life to new levels forever, and set forces in motion which revolutionized history. Of his teachings we have only fragments, but they have an inexhaustible vitality. In this course we are to examine these as our source material in order to discover, …
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus
Tenth Lesson. What Wilt Thou?'
What wilt thou?' Or, Prayer must be Definite. And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51; Luke xviii. 41. THE blind man had been crying out aloud, and that a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.' The cry had reached the ear of the Lord; He knew what he wanted, and was ready to grant it him. But ere He does it, He asks him: What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?' He wants to hear from his own lips, not only the general petition …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer
Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have Visited Canada--Stewardship.
Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have visited Canada--Stewardship. The fallowing plain answers to practical questions, are written by those well acquainted with the work:-- I. "Are these children really street Arabs? If not, where do you find so many?" In the early days of the work, before the establishment of School Boards and kindred institutions, a large proportion of the children were actually taken from the streets. Now, the rescue work begins farther back, …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers
The Journey to Jerusalem
"And they went in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them; and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid."--Mark 10:32. "Jesu, was hat dich getrieben." [38]Laurentius Laurenti. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1855 Jesus! what was that which drew Thee To Jerusalem's ancient gate? Ah! the love that burned so truly, Would not suffer Thee to wait! On Thou journeyedst, thus securing Me a city more enduring! To my spirit now draw nearer, Lord, as to Jerusalem! Let each moment …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther
The Footsteps
"Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of."--Mark x. 39. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Behold, My bride, how fair My mouth, Mine eyes; My heart is glowing fire, My hand is grace-- And see how swift My foot, and follow Me. For thou with Me shalt scorned and martyred be, Betrayed by envy, tempted in the wilds, And seized by hate, and bound by calumny; And they shall bind thine eyes lest thou should'st see, By hiding Mine eternal truth from thee. And they shall scourge …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)
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