Freedom in God’s Kingdom
Today, we will reflect on the story of the rich young man from Mark chapter 10 and think
about the themes of the “Kingdom of God” and “wealth.” This story is not merely a
warning about wealth or material possessions; it helps us examine what is truly
important in our lives and where the center of our faith should be.
A young man came to Jesus and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit
eternal life?” He had faithfully followed the laws since he was a child and took pride in
this. Jesus looked at him with love and told him to do one more thing: “Go, sell what you
own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come,
follow me” (Mark 10:21). But the young man was saddened by this, for he had many
possessions, and he walked away grieving.
At this moment, we can understand the sorrow and struggle the young man felt. When
he stood before Jesus, he must have sensed that something was still missing in his life.
Outwardly, he had followed the commandments well, but deep in his heart, he realized
there was something lacking. He genuinely desired to enter the Kingdom of God, but
the command to give up the possessions he loved and relied on was too great a
challenge. He was tied to his wealth, and it was the source of his comfort. The thought
of giving it up must have been frightening for him. While the young man wanted to follow
Jesus, he found it hard to break free from his attachment to what he owned.
This passage should not be seen merely as a lesson about wealth. Jesus did not
condemn wealth itself but pointed out that the young man’s possessions had taken a
more important place in his heart than loving God and loving his neighbor. Though he
had kept the law, his wealth had become the most important thing in his life. As a result,
he could not respond to Jesus’ invitation. This story gives us an important teaching
about what we need to prioritize to enter the Kingdom of God and what we need to let
go of.
Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone
who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25). This is not simply a warning
about how hard it is for a wealthy person to enter heaven. For the young man, “wealth”
was more than just material possessions. It was the foundation of his identity and
security, and it occupied the center of his life. Jesus was asking him to let go of his
wealth and to trust in God. This was not just about giving up material things but an
invitation to reorder his priorities.
So, what does the “Kingdom of God” mean? The Kingdom of God is not just a spiritual
place we enter after we die. The Kingdom of God, as Jesus taught, is a way of life that
we can experience right here and now, in our everyday lives. It is where God’s will is
realized, and where His love and justice are revealed in our lives. The Kingdom of God
is about our actions and choices reflecting God’s love and justice.
Therefore, Jesus’ demand to the rich young man was not simply about giving up wealth.
It was an invitation for him to realign his life with God’s will and to live a life of love for
his neighbor. We, too, must reflect on how we are living the life of the Kingdom of God.
We must examine if there is something in our lives that we value more than God and
whether God’s love and justice are at the center of our lives.
The 20th-century philosopher and psychologist Erich Fromm, in his book To Have or To
Be, distinguishes between the modes of “having” and “being.” Fromm pointed out that
many people in modern society seek to find their value through what they own. We
define ourselves through money, status, and reputation. But this way of living focused
on possession leads us into constant anxiety and competition. What Jesus asked of the
rich young man was to leave behind the life of “having” and instead choose the life of
“being.”
A life of “being” is one that is based on relationships—with God and with our neighbors.
It is about finding our value in being loved by God, as His children. This is the life that
sets us free and allows us to experience true joy and peace. The young man could not
accept Jesus’ request because his wealth had defined his identity. What Jesus was
trying to teach him was that it is not through wealth but through his relationship with God
that he should find his true identity.
This message presents an important question for us as well. Where do we find our
identity and security? Do we live trusting in God, or do we rely on what we own? Like
the rich young man, we sometimes place our trust in wealth, status, or relationships,
and in doing so, we lose our trust in God.
In verse 27, Jesus says, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things
are possible” (Mark 10:27). This gives us hope. We may find it hard to free ourselves
from the attachment to wealth or the life of “having,” but with God’s help, we can be
transformed. God wants us to discover our new identity as His children and live freely in
that knowledge.
Every day, we have the opportunity to choose the life of “being.” Through small daily
decisions, we can use our time, talents, and possessions for God, our neighbors, and all
creation. This is how we store up treasure in heaven. Living this way truly sets us free.
No longer bound by the world’s standards, we can live in true joy through God’s love.
As we reflect on today’s passage, let us examine our lives and commit to placing the
values of the Kingdom of God at the center. Instead of walking away in sorrow like the
rich young man, let us respond to God’s invitation. May we find our identity in God,
break free from the chains of possession, and experience true love and freedom in Him.
May God bless you all with His grace.
Amen.