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. Let us INQUIRE INTO THE NATURE OF OUR LORD'S REGARD FOR THE YOUNG RULER. "Then Jesus, beholding him, loved him." There are those who think that ardent love for an unconverted friend is a misplaced affection; that we should only love what God loves. But the love of God must be different from the love of the creature. When God loves He loves the whole man, not for his moral qualities, but in spite of them. The love of man is partial in its object, for we can admire one part of a man's character whilst we dislike another. Our attachments also in their present form must be of limited duration. What is implied in this love? 1. There is a sincere desire for such a person's welfare and an anxious wish to do him good. 2. There is a feeling of mournful pity, that one endowed with such high and hopeful qualities should fall short of heaven at last. II. WHAT WERE THE QUALITIES WHICH KINDLED OUR LORD'S REGARD FOR THE YOUNG RULER? 1. A real concern on the part of the young man for the safety of his soul. 2. Our Lord would be pleased with the young man's desire for religious knowledge. 3. The excellence of his moral character. III. Having seen the nature of our Lord's regard, and the qualities of the young man which seem most likely to have kindled it, let us conclude with a few practical reflections on THE SAD COMPATIBILITY OF BOTH WITH THE FINAL LOSS OF HEAVEN. 1. How many amiable qualities are here spoiled at once by the love of this world. 2. What is the precise value of any combination of amiable qualities towards the securing of this rich inheritance? However the world may applaud noble qualities, they will not save in the day of judgment. There must be repentance and faith. (D. Moore, M. A.) 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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