What shall I do to inherit eternal life?

The Lord’s treatment of individuals in this passage stood convention on its head. He completely overturned the prejudices and ideas of the time and society in which He lived.

Firstly, children were received by the Lord, vv. 15-17. His disciples rebuked those who brought the children; they thought children were not important enough to secure the Lord’s attention. The disciples had to learn that child-like features are prerequisite to entering Christ’s kingdom, v. 18. Spare a thought for children today, and pray for the Sunday School or Children’s Meeting.

Secondly, the rich ruler, seeking eternal life on the basis of his own efforts, was rejected, vv. 18-30. His riches did not disqualify him from blessing, but they proved a serious impediment. He valued possessions more than eternal life and leaves the Lord with his purse full but his soul empty. The disciples are utterly astonished. To the Jew, material blessings indicated the favour of God. If the wealthy could only ‘with difficulty’ (v. 24 Newberry margin) enter into the kingdom, what hope was there for others? Yet, seemingly impossible things are possible with God, v. 27.

Thirdly, a blind beggar was blessed, vv. 35-43. Like the children earlier in our reading, he is judged unworthy to claim the Lord’s notice, v. 39. To the popular mind, his blind state and poverty were indications of divine disfavour, and possibly personal or parental sin, cp. John9. 1-3. Nevertheless, the Lord will stand still for such a suppliant. The contrasts between the rich man and the beggar are striking and extend beyond their bank balance and social status. The rich man addresses the Lord, ‘Good Master’; the beggar addresses Him, ‘Jesus, Son of David’. The rich man talks of merit; the beggar appeals for mercy. The rich man leaves the Lord sorrowful; the beggar follows the Lord, glorifying God!

The lessons of the passage are clear. Blessing depends on a child-like attitude, is obtained through grace alone, and is freely dispensed to needy souls who ‘call upon the name of the Lord’, Rom. 10. 13.