him an ingenuous disposition, a thirst for truth, a reverence for goodness; doubtless looking back upon a pure and honourable life in che past, and forward to the bright possibilities of the future. What an insight we thus gain into the truly human nature of the Saviour! And are there not now those whom he looks upon and loves, beholding in them so much that is congenial to his heart? 2. Jesus tested him. He did this in love, yet in faithfulness. And in three ways. (1) His faith in Himself. Why call him “good” ? The epithet was too honourable if he wereman. Was his disciple prepared to apply it to him with the clear understanding that it involved his Deity ? (2) His character, This test the young ruler stood; he had “a conscience void of offence.” (3) His love and devotion. Was the young ruler prepared to give up all at the Master’s bidding? This leads to the observation that— “ TIL He tackep one Tuna. Consider: 1. Chrtst’s demand. (1) It was that he should part with his wealth, and bestow all upon the poor. Not that this is universally obliga- tory or desirable. It was the form of complete surrender which in this case was most appropriate. A hard test, a stern requirement; yet most necessary “to prove the sincerity of his love.” (2) The promise. There was an inducement held out, of “ treasure in heaven,” which should more than compensate his loss. Our Lord shows his compas- sion upon our human nature in thus alluring to his side. (8) The call. It was to discipleship: “ Follow me.” What an opportunity was, in these words, opened up before this ardent, aspiring mind! Who can say what position he might have held in the circle of the apostles, in the memory of Christendom, had he responded to this heavenly summons? 2. The young ruler’s failure under trial. The saying was too hard ; the test was too severe; the world was too strong! His heart sank within him, and his countenance fell. And then he went away sorrowful, grieving to leave Christ, yet feeling that the grief would be greater of leaving the riches in which he delighted and trusted. Had he given, not his admiration, his respect, only, to Christ, but his very heart, then it would have been possible to him to bave “left all, and followed bim.” But one thing he lacked—the surrender of self, of the spiritual nature, whic would have involved the surrender of all
7 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TU ST, MARK. (cu. x, 1—52,
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Appiication. Christ will be satisfied with nothing less than our heart, our all, We may have many things, and yet lack the spirit of perfect surrender and consecration. The test is certain to be applied ; how shall we endure it?
Vers. 23—31.—Christ must be all, Sometimes our Lord gave utterance to paradox Certainly it was so on this occasion. Any ordinary observer would have pronouncea the rich young ruler blessed, and would have pitied the poor fishermen who neglected their petty craft and followed the homeless and penniless Rabbi of Nazareth. But God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus looked below the surface. To him the case of the favoured of fortune and the admired of society was a sad case, and the choice of the twelve was the choice of the good part, which none can take away.
I. THE SPIRITUAL DISADVANTAGES AND PERILS OF WEALTH. This is not s& popular or acceptable lesson; and most people would be willing to accept, without a murmur, the position of danger and temptation occupied by the affluent. However, the warnings of the Master are fully borne out by the experience of those who have watched the working of human nature under the influence of riches. 1. To have wealth is to be in danger of trusting in wealth. 2. To trust in wealth is not conducive to humility, penitence, and faith—the dispositions peculiarly suitable to those who would be saved. 8. To lack these dispositions is to be disqualified for the kingdom of God. 4. Yet the grace of God, with whom all things are possible, is able to overcome difficulties and temptations great as these.
IJ. THR BLESSEDNESS OF GIVING UP ALL FoR Cupist. 1. Really and truly the Christian surrenders all he has to his Lord. That Lord may give him back, as it were, of what was his own, but even when used for himself, it is consecrated, and is still the Lord’s. (1) Christians may be called upon to give up earthly possessions. This the rich young ruler should have done, but did not; this Peter and the rest of the twelve actually did. It has often been remarked that the apostles did not give up much in order to become disciples of Jesus. But the answer is fair—What they had they gave up; it was their all. When plainly called upon to part with property, as, ¢g., in times of persecution, or for the sake of charity, Christ’s people willingly make the sacrifice required. Property so lost is truly gained. (2) Christians may have to renounce earthly aims and prospects, How often does this happen still! The convert feels constrained to break away from old associations, which might well be the stepping-stone to honour, station, emolument ; and in sacrificing what the world would give, he reaps a rich reward in the approval of his conscience, the progress he makes in the Divine life, the increased opportunities of usefulness he enjoys. Such are foremost in inviting their fellow-men to the better path—
“Come, learn, your follies quitting, That this world’s gain is loss; To his mild rule submitting Who bare for you the cross,”
(3) They renounce the picasures and the applause of the world. The pleasures of sin it is their aim to relinquish; the praise of men they regard with indifference ; for they “have left all.” (4) All this renunciation is spiritually valuable just so far as it expresses the renunciation of self-will, and the acceptance of the will of Christ. “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord.” 2. In so doing the Christian reaps a rich reward. This is twofold. (1) There is recompense in this life. To follow Jesus is in itself an honour and happiness. Who that loves him would not willingly share his lot? Surrender all you ees to Christ, and Christ will bestow all he hason you. He not only confers upon his people the favour of his heart, he gives them to enjoy the approbation of a good conscience. And Jesus points out the provision made by God’s goodness for many of his faithful fol- lowers. It happened, as he foretold, that many of the persecuted disciples experienced marvellous interpositions and unexpected relief; that their confession of Christ was the occasion of the attachment and affection, the ministrations and gifts, of those whe witnessed and admired their fidelity. (2) There is a yet richer recompense hereafter, Simply and grandly does Jesus assure his people that they shall have “in the worlé to come eternal life.” It was an assurance which was repeated by Christ’s inspired
cH. x 1—62.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK. 71