Mark 10:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 10:17-31

I. Here is a hopeful meeting between Christ and a young man; such he is said to be (Matt. 19:20, 22), and a ruler (Luke 18:18), a person of quality. Some circumstances here are, which we had not in Matthew, which makes his address to Christ very promising. 1. He came running to Christ, which was an indication of his humility; he laid aside the gravity and grandeur of a ruler, when he came to Christ: thus too he manifested his earnestness and importunity; he ran as one in haste, and longing to... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 10:17-22

10:17-22 As Jesus was going along the road, a man came running to him and threw himself at his feet and asked him, "Good teacher, what am I to do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? There is no one who is good, except one--God. You know the commandments. You must not kin, you must not commit adultery, you must not steal, you must not bear false witness, you must not defraud anyone, you must honour your father and mother." He said to him, "Teacher, I have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 10:21

Then Jesus, beholding him, loved him ,.... Not as God, with that special love, with which he loves his people, who were given him by the Father, are redeemed by his blood, whom he calls by his grace, justifies by his righteousness, forgives their iniquities, and, at last, glorifies: but as man, he had an human affection for him; so far as there was any appearance of moral good in him, it was agreeable to him, who loves righteousness, and hates iniquity; and though the young man betrayed much... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 10:21

Then Jesus, beholding him - Looking earnestly, εμβλεψας , or affectionately upon him, loved him, because of his youth, his earnestness, and his sincerity. One thing thou lackest - What was that? A heart disengaged from the world, and a complete renunciation of it and its concerns, that he might become a proper and successful laborer in the Lord's vineyard. See Matthew 19:21 . To say that it was something else he lacked, when Christ explains here his own meaning, is to be wise above... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 10:21

Verse 21 Mark 10:21.One thing thou wantest. Christ therefore does not mean that the young man wanted one Thing beyond the keeping of the law, but in the very keeping of the law. For though the law nowhere obliges us to sell all, yet as it represses all sinful desires, and teaches us to bear the cross, as it bids us be prepared for hunger and poverty, the young man is very far from keeping it fully, so long as he is attached to his riches, and burns with covetousness. And he says that one thing... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 10:17-21

The excellences of the young ruler. Too often religious teachers have attempted to classify all who are mentioned in the Bible as being either definitely good or utterly bad. If the latter exhibit any excellency it is depreciated, or explained away; and if the former have faults, they are carefully concealed. But the Bible gives no such definite decision respecting them. It mentions the faults of the saints, and exhibits the excellences of those whose character and destiny are left... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 10:17-22

Loved, yet lacking. An interesting character this, coming in the Gospel history like a meteor out of the darkness for a brief moment, and then vanishing again, to be no more seen. An interesting conversation this, casting valuable light upon the character and the demands, of Christ, and upon the aspirations and virtues, the tests and the deficiencies, of human nature. Strange that Jesus should love one who came before him in this one short interview; stranger still that, in this loved one,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 10:17-22

The great inquiry. This seems a better title for the subject than "The Great Decision," as we have no reason to believe that the decision come to was a final one. But the reference to "eternal life" proves how momentous the occasion was to him who inquired. Such a time comes but seldom yet it comes to every man, when he feels that everything else dwindles into insignificance in comparison with "life." As to this inquiry, notice—. I. HOW IT WAS MADE . 1 . Earnestly. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 10:17-22

The rich young ruler. Never did a more becoming question escape from human lips than when "there ran one"—"a certain ruler"—"to him," and, kneeling at his feet, "asked him, Good Master, what [what good thing] shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" With characteristic calmness Jesus drew him away from the thought of his ability to do any "good thing," and from his question concerning that which is good. Only the good can do good things, and "none is good save One, even God." Therefore... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 10:17-23

The rich man's temptation. I. THE RICH MAN FEELS THE NEED OF SALVATION . "Money answereth all things," but only in a limited sphere after all. Riches bind as well as set free; close certain doors to the spirit, as well as open them to others. The poor man knows "straitness" of one kind, the wealthy man another. Could he but unite the advantages of wealth with freedom and joy of spirit! II. SALVATION IS POSSIBLE TO THE RICH MAN . But the practical... read more

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