A Good Ending | Exegetical Fragments

Written by Douglas Wilson

Sunday, 27 March 2011 05:46

We find the story of the rich young ruler in all three synoptics, but the gospel of Mark has some unique details (Mark 10:17). In Matthew and Luke, he just shows up somehow, and asks his question (Matt. 19:16; Luke 18:18). But in Mark, he runs up and he kneels. In all three, when Jesus gives His answer, the young man is sorrowful and goes away. But in Mark alone, we are told that in giving the answer, Jesus looked at him and loved him. My supposition, which connects to some other odd statements in the New Testament, is that that this young man was John Mark himself, and this is why we have the additional details. If so, the story has a good ending.

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Gianni

Sunday, March 27, 2011 11:52 am

"If so, the story has a good ending."

Yes, and already in the here and now, not hopefully, somehow, in the Hereafter. We love Him because He first loved us. Inescapably so. Even when our first reaction is to walk away from Him. As Keith Green said, His love breaks through. Always. Eventually. And before it's too late.

This is how Love Wins, according to the Bible.

Drew Martin

Sunday, March 27, 2011 11:57 am

Mar 14:51,52 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him,
but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

Could this also be John Mark? If so, his story not only has a good ending but a quite humorous one as well.

Gianni

Sunday, March 27, 2011 12:57 pm

Drew,

Yes, there's humor here I guess, but it's the kind of humor that makes Peter cry when Jesus asks him for the third time whether he loved Him.

To see what I mean, check this out, and read my longish comment at the end of that article.

http://www.dougwils.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7291:in-love-with-this-present-world&catid=62:grace-and-peace

Drew Martin

Monday, March 28, 2011 6:37 am

Gianni,

Interesting perspective. I'll admit I didn't see the connection but this certainly adds to the stroy and magnifies God's faithfulness
Thanks

Jacob Young - other odd statements in the New Testament

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 3:57 am

Pastor Wilson,

Could you share those "other odd statements in the New Testament"? I'd be interested in just the bare references if you have the time.

Yours kindly,
~Jacob

Eric Stampher - And if He didn't love him?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 8:58 pm

Have you ever been handed the tract: "DOES God love you?" There's nothing like knowing it's true, IF it's true in your case.

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