Reflections from Proper 23
Mark 10: 17-22
October 14, 2018
Jesus is the one and only God by whom we inherit eternal life.
Collect for Proper 23 “Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always precedes and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in Your our heavenly treasure; for You live and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.” Amen
For your information, the “journey” spoken of here is bringing Jesus ever closer to Jerusalem.
Questions
1. How does this man approach Jesus? What does his manner show? Why does Jesus reject his language?
2. Why does Jesus recite most of the Ten Commandments to this man? What is his response? Do you believe him?
Notice how Jesus recites the commandments. “Do not murder.” (Commandment #5) “Do not commit adultery.” (Commandment #6) “Do not steal.” (Commandment #7) “Do not bear false witness.” (Commandment #8) Then Jesus continues. “Do not defraud…Honor your father and mother.” Jesus repeats commandment #7 and addresses commandment #4.
Now read Mark 7:10-12 - "Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God) then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother,”
The religious leadership of Jesus’ day were guilty of setting aside God’s Word in favor of their own man-made traditions. They claimed great devotion to the Lord in all of their “outward” rituals, but they were “inwardly” corrupt.
The only reason this man had acquired his wealth was because he had swindled his parents. And worse. He presents himself as pious, above board.
3. How does Jesus feel about this man? Why?
4. What does this man lack, in Jesus’ view? What does Jesus ask him to do to get it? What is the effect of this order on the man, and why?
5. Why does Jesus think it’s especially hard for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom? Do you agree? How does this apply to us?
C.S. Lewis reminds us, the camel has to die! The biggest animal passing through the smallest hole.
“All things, (e.g. a camel’s journey through a needle’s eye) are possible, it’s true. But picture how the camel feels, squeezed out. In one long, bloody, thread, from tail to snout.” From his work ‘Parables’
6. Why are the disciples astounded? Why does this make them wonder who can be saved, since Jesus is only talking about the rich here?
7. Who can be saved? How? Do you see yourself in this number?
8. Someone once depicted the Christian’s journey in the poem “footprints in the sand.” Some would prefer a poem entitled “Donkey tracks and skid marks.”
Prayer to resist the love of money: "Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord." Amen.
Sources
http://goodshepherdnewton.org/wp-content/uploads/B-pdf-Proper-18-Last-Pentecost-RCL-2018.pdf
Lutheran Service Book © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
www.AGNUSDAY.com
For next week Mark 10:12-31
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