The Cross of Wealth

Author: Pastor Mike Gutzler

We are at the pinnacle of Mark’s Gospel, and Jesus has turned the tables on us. Ever since chapter one, Jesus has been pushing his kingdom message into new territories and into new communities making access to God much wider than ever before. Access to God is no longer restricted to the very few at the temple in Jerusalem. Now Jesus starts to tell the disciples what is next for them as they take on the role of spreading the Gospel in his absence.

Last week we talked about the individual nature of our cross that Jesus encourages us to pick up. This is both a challenge and a gift. Today, our relationship with earthly possessions comes into focus.

The conversation with the wealthy man (the only person in the entire Gospel that is “loved” by Jesus) reminds us the gift of eternal life comes with a relinquishing of all that we have. When Jesus talks about the kingdom, he is referring to that condition in life when we are completely dependent upon God. Trust and faith are central to this condition.

Those of us in our contemporary western culture, with many services and systems in place, know little of this condition. It is easier for us to trust in the medical system, the financial system, or our government agencies. Jesus’ contemporaries were just the opposite.  

This coming week, Jesus makes his final pitch on the life of discipleship before he heads towards Jerusalem where he opens the door to eternal life for all of us. This is key since we, like the rich man, are unable and unwilling to free ourselves of wealth. But, fortunately for us, Jesus still loves us in our weakness and lack of trust and faith.

Watch the performance of the Gospel of Mark Chapter 9 performed by Max McLean.