“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said…” – Mark 10:21
Change is one of the most difficult things in life. When things beyond our control change, we are rarely excited. Change takes us beyond our comfort of the known and into a world of unknown possibilities. There is no greater challenge in our life than to change ourselves to become a better person. It is the desire of most people to change, at least some aspect of their life. Change is difficult. It is especially challenging when we try to do it all by ourselves.
The gospel of Mark (10:17-27) tells a story of a man who runs up to Jesus and ask the question, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus tells him that he must follow the commandments. The man confirms to Jesus that he has followed these things since his youth. He is not satisfied with Jesus’ answer. He is obviously looking for greater reassurance. The next line in Mark is fascinating. Mark records that, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said…” The next teaching that Jesus provided this man is based completely in love. He does not say what he says out of anger or lack of patience. Jesus instructs this stranger because he loves him. Jesus wants the best life for him, here and in the life to come. This is how God speaks to us as well.
For years, I have read this passage and focused my attention on the teaching of Jesus that follows verse 21. This is where we find out that this man has many possessions, but does not want to give them up. What Jesus tells the rich man grieves him deeply. It is because the man does not have the same trust in Jesus as he does in himself. The true answer to the man’s question is to be found in the statement, “Jesus loved him.”
For God’s people, our source of strength is God. It begins with our willingness to wrestle with the knowledge that God loves us. This is why at St. Luke’s, we make every effort to grow in our faith. We seek to encounter God in prayer, worship, Bible study, and the many other avenues available to us to grow in our faith. As we encounter the deep love of God, we begin to understand that we can trust God’s will for us. When we come to the realization that God loves us and desires good things for us, we begin to trust God. As we grow in our faith, we learn to trust God with our time, our efforts, and our dreams. God wants good for all his children, and we are God’s children.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
