6. A TREASURE ON EARTH (Mark.10:17-27)

1. What do you think made this successful politician behave in such an unusual manner as is described in verse 17?
   • Have you ever been worried about your eternal destiny, and if so, in what situation?
      
2. The young politician considered Jesus only a good teacher, not God. Why did he then expect him to know the answer to his question (17b-18)?
   • Why didn’t this man have assurance about eternal life even though he had followed God’s commandments for all his life (19-20)?
      
3. Many politicians have great temptations in the areas of money and women. What do you think was the reason this man had sailed clear of these temptations (19-20)?
   • Note that according to Jesus, God’s commandments must be followed, not only in deeds but also in thoughts and words. Do you think that this man had done that?
   • Could you honestly say to Jesus that you have kept all the commandments in verse 19?
      
4. Jesus said that the young man was still lacking one thing in his relation to God (21). Think of various alternatives - what could it be?
   • If you should name one thing that is lacking in your faith in God, what would it be?
      
5. Jesus refers to a treasure in heaven in verse 21. Compare a treasure on earth with the one in heaven. What are the differences?
   • This young man had all his treasures on earth. What were they?
   • How can we collect treasures in heaven?
   • Where do you have your treasure, on earth or in heaven? (You can answer in your heart, if you like.)
      
6. This man had probably young children or old parents to take care of. What would have happened to them if he had followed the commandment of Jesus in verse 21?
   • The land property inherited from the forefathers was esteemed very highly in Biblical times. Why did Jesus want this man to give it up, too (21)?
      
7. If you were in the situation of this man, do you think you could believe that God will somehow take care of your wife, children and parents? (What would you do if Jesus let you become his disciple only on the condition of giving up all your property and savings?)
    
8. What alternatives did this man have when he realized that he couldn’t possibly give up his treasure?
   • How do you think Jesus would have reacted if the man had confessed to him that he loves money more than God and asked forgiveness for it?
      
9. According to verse 21 Jesus looked at this young man and loved him. Why then did Jesus treat him in a way that made this young man leave him?
   • Do you think this man would have inherited eternal life if Jesus had given him some other answer?
   • What was the actual mistake of this man in his relation to God?
      
10. Compare the reply Jesus gave to the rich young man and the one he gave to Peter (21, 27). Are they similar or different?
    • Read verse 18 once more. What did Jesus want to say about the moral state of mankind through it?

GLAD TIDINGS: The young politician was under the false impression of having been able to fulfill God’s law. Jesus simply showed him that he was not even able to obey the first one of them: Love the Lord your God above all (Matt.22:36-37). Jesus himself had given up his heavenly treasures when coming to this earth. On the cross he was punished as if he had been tied up with earthly treasures and idols. That is why he now will forgive every one of us who are tied up with our treasures - if we ask him to.