Mark 10, 17-31 

One way or another this morning’s readings are all about righteousness. In the first reading, Amos, the prophet of Northern Israel, sees with deep concern the way of  life of his countrymen. They have turned away from godly living. In those days of walled cities justice was supposed to be dispensed “in the gate”, but this has ceased to happen. Men hate the one who reproves in the gate and abhor the one who speaks truth. They take bribes and push aside the needy. The Israelites as ever did not listen to Amos. It was not long before the Northern Kingdom fell to the invading Assyrians.

The great second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. It speaks of the power of the Word of God and its insight into all hearts and minds. Then it goes on to praise the purity and righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He was in all respects tempted just as we are but remained sinless. We therefore now can approach the throne of grace, the throne of justice, with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us. 

How different is the attitude underlying each of these two readings! The Old Testament reading is fraught with fear and uncertainty. In contrast, the unknown writer of the letter to the Hebrews is confident and positively joyful, urging us – yes, us! – to go boldly before the throne of grace.

And so to our Gospel reading. I find this reading very very moving. The young man comes to Jesus asking what he must do to attain eternal life. He is an attractive young man; Jesus looks at him and loves him. Jesus then challenges him to go and sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor. (It is worth noticing that Jesus, so far as we know, never asks anyone else to do this in quite such a blunt manner.) The young man turns away. He cannot bring himself to do it.

The disciples are astounded. They cannot let it rest there. In those days, there was a strong belief in a link between riches and godliness. If you were rich, it followed that you were blessed and favoured of God. You must be righteous. Jesus is upsetting that fixed idea; if you are really wealthy your life is likely to be ruled by your wealth. God does not judge according to human standards. For him all things are possible.

Peter – it would be Peter, wouldn’t it? – is still not satisfied. He points out that he and the other disciples have in practice given up a great deal to follow Jesus, not just possessions but family, friends, lands and livings. Jesus responds gently. He is well aware that his disciples have made great sacrifices in order to become his followers. They will receive their rewards: blessings in this life and in the age to come life eternal. They  have already learned that just being with Jesus day by day is in itself a blessing. They do not want to be anywhere else. And there is the message for us: to follow Jesus day by day and, when our time comes, to go boldly before the throne of grace.

I’d like to end with a coda which I’m afraid will not be accessible to those who aren’t able to come to church this Sunday.

About 5 miles south west of Guildford in Surrey, just north of the village of Compton, there is a picture gallery dedicated to the works of G.F.Watts. One particular painting caught my eye on my first visit and I’ve gone back several time mainly to see it. I had hoped to be able to print off several copies to show you but the computer won’t let me, so I assume it’s under copyright. You can Google it. I have only a single postcard size copy of it, so I’ve mounted it on the font for you to look at over coffee. Please don’t take it away!

The title of the painting is “For He Had Great Possessions”. You will see how well it represents the opening passage of this morning’s Gospel. The young man’s whole attitude reflects  the shame and despair which he must have felt on hearing Jesus’ words: “Go and sell what you have…”