Mark 10:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is significant to note that abundance can be perilous; even having little can bring about evil and risk, and the chains of excessive possessions are difficult to break. However, one who is youthful in spirit, frivolous, neglectful in contemplation, and unstable in mind should part with their burdens—such as anger and desire—along with all that arises from them, and relinquish them to the demons, who are in want and lack all goodness and richness due to their separation from God’s benevolence. Only then can they truly follow Christ, for it is he who forsakes the wealth of sin, the inheritance of demons, who alone is able to walk in the footsteps of the Savior.

Lacking the strength to uphold the law, the individual bound by legalism finds himself incapable of carrying out what has been decreed. The Scriptures state, “sorrowing.” Was this the appropriate time for theological discourse? For the one who inquired, “What has He created…” He Himself would be counted among the redeemed. For he who asked about creation would also find himself included among the blessed. What justification was there previously to disclose not what he was seeking, but rather to communicate something entirely different from his genuine yearning?

With a heavy heart, he departed, not willing to follow (cf. Matt. 19:22). He looked for a wise guide, yet he resisted the Teacher and, undervaluing His lessons, left in sorrow, ensnared by his desires. He walked away, weighed down by the oppressive load of greed.

A person does not attain success solely through personal effort or fervent zeal. Yet, when his desire is evident and he is earnest in his endeavors, the strength provided by God will enable him to prevail. The Lord supports those who genuinely seek His aid, while a lack of commitment can hinder the divine spirit bestowed upon him. Salvation granted against one’s will comes from the one who compels, while the salvation of the individual who earnestly wishes to be redeemed is the work of the Giver of grace.

The wealthy individual chose to leave, refusing the counsel to distribute his possessions among the less fortunate, resulting in his separation from the Lord as he was left to his own choices. Christ cannot be criticized for allowing humanity to exercise its free will. It is stated, Behold, do I present to you a blessing and a curse? Choose the path of good. If you find yourself unable to choose because of your unwillingness (and He has indicated that you can if you choose to, having granted us this freedom), then you must turn away from Him whose will you do not follow.

A certain man approached the Lord, noted for his stringent adherence to God's commandments. Despite his esteemed position and considerable riches from a young age, he was eager to attain the utmost spiritual excellence necessary for eternal life. What more could one desire from someone who sought the Lord? It appeared as though he could enter the Kingdom in a manner distinct from the usual path that required repentance. The disciples also engaged deeply in this matter, as expressed in their final questions. However, the Lord made it evident to all, through two observations, that the young man's heart was still far from God's way.

Jesus Christ recognized in the young man a deep and genuine longing for a greater virtue than merely adhering to the external demands of the law, which left him unfulfilled. In response to his inquiry about what he still lacked, the Lord gazed upon him with compassion (Mk. 21) and replied: ‘One thing you lack: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me, taking up the cross.’ Upon hearing this call, it became evident that the young man did not truly know himself, nor was he fully comprehending or living out the law of love toward God and his neighbor as he ought to. Externally, he faithfully served both God and those around him, but internally, he clung to an idol that dictated his life. He lacked the strength to abandon this idol for the sake of God and others: thus, he left the Lord filled with sorrow.

Christ responded to him, "If you keep all these commandments, you will enter the kingdom of heaven. However, if you seek perfection, you need to do one thing more: go, sell your belongings, and give to the needy, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me." The specifics of how the affluent young man adhered to the Old Testament commandments are unclear; yet, it can be inferred that he viewed them through the lens of the scribes and Pharisees of his time. He was disheartened by Christ's challenge to renounce his greed. This wealth had become his idol, and he found it impossible to let go. Consequently, despite Christ’s invitation to follow Him, he chose to walk away.

This invitation immediately dismantled all of his pride. He was bound by his riches and lacked the resolve to let them go. "When the young man heard this word, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."

When the Lord gazed upon the young man with compassion, examining his heart, He perceived many virtuous traits within him that were sadly overshadowed by the desire for material wealth. The Lord did not conceal from him his deficiencies: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions—and all that you have—and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven—and come, follow Me, taking up your cross.” This directive was given, as noted by St. John Chrysostom, not as a command but rather “as a counsel and encouragement.” The ideals of humble living and celibacy fall under the category of evangelical counsels, which are essential for those who pursue the highest spiritual perfection.