Grace and Space

Mk 10:17-30 [or 10:17-27]
Mark is making two important points about discipleship. First, discipleship involves more than the keeping of the commandments. If this were not the case, then the rich man would have already inherited eternal life.
Second, discipleship involves the renunciation of riches, a sign of security, power, social status, and God’s favor. Treasure in heaven can be had only by stripping oneself of treasure on earth and using one’s wealth to serve others. By giving his riches to the poor, the man would pile up treasure in heaven.
Underlying this understanding is a concept in the ancient world that there were only so many goods and riches to be had. Those who had them also had an obligation to share with those who did not have any; otherwise, there was no way for those who were poor to get any.
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus defines discipleship as total identity with the poor, the powerless. Discipleship involves the relinquishing of all possessions and the distribution of these to those who have no wealth.
The rich man in the story “went away sad, for he had many possessions” (v 22); he was not able to reduce himself to the level of poverty. Now Jesus looks around at his disciples, Mark’s community, and declares it will be hard for those with wealth to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples are amazed because Jesus has just reversed the popular notion concerning riches—that is, that wealth is a sign of favor from God. Riches become a wall between God and people.
Using hyperbolic language, Jesus says that it is impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God, if he attempts to earn it through wealth. The way to the kingdom of God is not a human achievement, but God’s gift. Riches have nothing to do with it.
Riches are given to some people to be shared with others because these others are one’s neighbors. When it comes to entrance to the kingdom of God, all people are equal; all are dependent on God for salvation. It makes no difference whether one is rich or not. Those who have riches, however, have an obligation to care for those who do not. Failure to do this will bar them from eternal life.
Those who, like Peter, have given up everything and followed Jesus will inherit “eternal life in the age to come” (v 30). Discipleship is the door to eternal life. Discipleship involves the renunciation of riches; but it also includes the gracious gift of God—his kingdom—for those who are willing to follow his Son. When put in the Marcan scale, the side marked discipleship outweighs that marked riches.