Mark 10:21

KJV

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Jesus {G2424} beholding {G1689} him {G846} loved {G25} him {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, One thing {G1520} thou {G4671} lackest {G5302}: go thy way {G5217}, sell {G4453} whatsoever {G3745} thou hast {G2192}, and {G2532} give {G1325} to the poor {G4434}, and {G2532} thou shalt have {G2192} treasure {G2344} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}: and {G2532} come {G1204}, take up {G142} the cross {G4716}, and follow {G190} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua, looking at him, felt love for him and said to him, "You're missing one thing. Go, sell whatever you own, give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me!"

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

American Standard Version

And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:21 presents a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a rich young man, revealing Jesus' profound love and the radical demands of true discipleship. Despite the man's outward adherence to the Law and earnest desire for eternal life, Jesus identifies a singular impediment: his attachment to material wealth. Jesus' challenge to sell all possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him, culminating in the call to "take up the cross," underscores the necessity of complete surrender, self-denial, and prioritizing heavenly treasure over earthly riches.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point in the narrative of the rich young ruler, immediately following his confident assertion that he has kept all the commandments from his youth ([Mark 10:17-20](/mark/10-17-20 "Mark 10:17-20 - The Rich Young Ruler's Inquiry")). Jesus' response in [Mark 10:21](/mark/10-21 "Mark 10:21 - Jesus' Challenge") directly addresses the man's perceived righteousness, exposing a deeper spiritual deficiency. The subsequent verses ([Mark 10:22-27](/mark/10-22-27 "Mark 10:22-27 - The Difficulty of Riches")) elaborate on the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, prompting the disciples' astonishment and Jesus' teaching on divine possibility. The passage as a whole serves to redefine the nature of discipleship, contrasting outward obedience with inward devotion, and setting the stage for discussions about sacrifice and reward in [Mark 10:28-31](/mark/10-28-31 "Mark 10:28-31 - Peter's Question and Jesus' Promise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God's blessing, leading to the assumption that rich individuals were inherently righteous or favored by God. This cultural understanding made Jesus' challenge to the rich young ruler, and His subsequent teaching about the difficulty of the rich entering the Kingdom, particularly shocking to His disciples ([Mark 10:24-26](/mark/10-24-26 "Mark 10:24-26 - Disciples' Amazement")). The concept of "giving to the poor" was a recognized act of piety and charity within Judaism, but Jesus' command to sell *all* possessions was extreme and counter-cultural, directly confronting the man's ultimate allegiance. The phrase "take up the cross" would have been understood by Jesus' audience as a literal reference to carrying one's own execution instrument, a vivid image of impending death and total self-sacrifice, as Roman crucifixion was a common and brutal form of capital punishment in the region.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **radical nature of discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus requires absolute commitment and a willingness to surrender everything, even one's most cherished possessions or status. Secondly, it underscores the **deceptive nature of wealth**, revealing how material riches can become an idol that hinders genuine spiritual devotion and access to God's Kingdom, a theme further explored in [Mark 4:19](/mark/4-19 "Mark 4:19 - The Deceitfulness of Riches"). Thirdly, the verse showcases **Jesus' divine insight and compassion**, as He "loved" the young man even as He exposed his deepest spiritual obstacle, demonstrating that His challenging commands stem from profound care for eternal well-being. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **treasure in heaven versus earthly treasure**, a concept Jesus frequently taught, as seen in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven"), contrasting fleeting temporal gains with enduring eternal rewards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **loved (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This word signifies a deep, unconditional, and purposeful love. It's not merely an emotional fondness but a benevolent, volitional regard. Jesus' love for the rich young ruler indicates His genuine concern for the man's eternal well-being, even as He delivered a difficult and challenging truth. This love undergirds the seemingly harsh command, demonstrating that Jesus' instruction was born out of profound care, not condemnation.
* **lackest (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** This term means "to be later," "to be inferior," or "to fall short" (be deficient). It precisely captures the young man's spiritual state: despite his outward piety and adherence to the Law, he was deficient in one crucial area—his ultimate allegiance. He fell short of the complete surrender and singular devotion that true discipleship demands, revealing a fundamental spiritual poverty beneath his material wealth.
* **take up (Greek, _aírō'_):** This primary root means "to lift up," "to take up or away," or "to carry." In this context, "take up the cross" implies a deliberate act of embracing self-denial, suffering, and a willingness to face death for the sake of following Christ. It signifies a conscious decision to bear burdens, endure hardship, and utterly submit one's will to Jesus' authority and purpose, effectively putting one's own life aside.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesus beholding him loved him,"**: This opening phrase is crucial, immediately establishing Jesus' compassionate disposition towards the rich young ruler. Jesus did not look at him with judgment or disdain, but with a gaze that discerned his heart and was filled with a deep, intentional love, even as He prepared to deliver a challenging truth.
* **"and said unto him, 'One thing thou lackest:'"**: Despite the young man's claim to have kept all the commandments, Jesus' divine insight reveals a singular, critical deficiency. This "one thing" is not a minor oversight but a fundamental obstacle to true spiritual life and complete devotion, highlighting that external obedience is insufficient without internal transformation and ultimate allegiance.
* **"go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:"**: This is Jesus' specific, radical command tailored to expose and address the young man's idolatry of wealth. It is a direct challenge to his ultimate attachment, demanding a complete divestment of his material security. The accompanying promise of "treasure in heaven" contrasts earthly, temporal riches with eternal, spiritual rewards, emphasizing the superior value of heavenly gain through sacrificial giving.
* **"and come, take up the cross, and follow me."**: This culminating instruction defines the essence of true discipleship. "Taking up the cross" signifies a commitment to self-denial, suffering, and a willingness to embrace death for Christ's sake. "Following me" implies absolute loyalty, obedience, and a life lived in imitation of Jesus, prioritizing His will and mission above all personal desires and comforts.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:21 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the rich young ruler, who outwardly appears righteous and seeks eternal life, is revealed to be lacking the very thing necessary for it—complete surrender to God, hindered by his wealth. His material abundance ironically becomes his spiritual poverty. The command to "sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor" functions as a form of **hyperbole** (though a literal command for this specific individual), emphasizing the radical, all-encompassing nature of the commitment Jesus demands. It highlights that nothing, not even one's most prized possessions, should stand between an individual and God. Finally, the phrase "take up the cross" is potent **symbolism**, representing not only a literal instrument of death but also the figurative embrace of suffering, self-denial, and complete identification with Christ's mission, even to the point of personal sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of discipleship, revealing that genuine commitment to Christ transcends mere adherence to religious rules or outward morality. It exposes the insidious nature of idolatry, particularly the idolatry of wealth, which can subtly yet powerfully hinder one's relationship with God. Jesus' command, born out of love, serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing the true allegiance of the heart. It teaches that eternal life is not earned through works or possessions but requires a radical reorientation of priorities, where God alone is supreme, and heavenly treasure is valued above all earthly gain. The call to "take up the cross" establishes a foundational principle for all believers: following Jesus necessitates a willingness to deny oneself, embrace hardship, and prioritize Christ's will above personal comfort or security.

* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")
* [Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Renouncing All Possessions")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of Earthly Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:21 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting every follower of Christ to honestly examine their own lives for the "one thing" that might be holding them back from complete surrender. While Jesus' specific command to sell all possessions was directed at this individual's particular idol, the underlying principle of radical detachment from anything that competes with God's supremacy remains universally applicable. We are challenged to identify our own "cross"—the areas where we are called to deny ourselves, whether it be comfort, reputation, security, or material possessions—and willingly embrace it for the sake of following Jesus. True discipleship is not about accumulating earthly wealth or status, but about storing up eternal treasure through sacrificial love, obedience, and unwavering devotion to Christ. This verse compels us to ask: What is my ultimate allegiance? Am I truly willing to lay down everything to follow Jesus, trusting in His promise of heavenly treasure?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "one thing" might be hindering my complete surrender and devotion to Jesus today?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to "take up the cross" and practice self-denial for the sake of following Christ?**
* **How does my pursuit and use of material possessions reflect my true priorities and where my "treasure" lies?**
* **Am I willing to trust Jesus' promise of "treasure in heaven" more than the perceived security of earthly riches?**

### FAQ

**Was Jesus' command to sell all possessions meant for everyone, or just the rich young ruler?**

Answer: Jesus' command to "sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor" was a specific, diagnostic challenge tailored to the rich young ruler. It was not a universal command for all believers to divest themselves of all possessions. For this particular individual, wealth had become an idol, preventing his full devotion to God. Jesus, in His divine wisdom and love, identified this "one thing" that he lacked: an ultimate allegiance to God over his riches. While not a universal mandate for literal poverty, the principle of radical detachment from anything that hinders one's pursuit of God is universal. All disciples are called to prioritize God above all earthly possessions and be willing to surrender anything He asks, as demonstrated in [Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Renouncing All Possessions").

**What does it mean to "take up the cross, and follow me"?**

Answer: To "take up the cross" in Jesus' time was a stark image of condemned criminals carrying their own execution instruments to the place of their crucifixion. Therefore, Jesus' command means a willingness to embrace self-denial, suffering, and even death for the sake of following Him. It signifies a radical commitment to prioritize Christ above one's own life, desires, and comforts. It is a daily call to surrender one's will, endure hardship, and identify completely with Jesus' mission and suffering, as Jesus Himself taught in [Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - Jesus Teaches About Self-Denial"). It implies a life lived in absolute obedience and loyalty to Christ, no matter the cost.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:21, though a challenging command to an individual, points profoundly to the person and work of Christ. The rich young ruler's inability to surrender his wealth highlights humanity's fallen tendency to cling to earthly securities rather than fully trust in God. Jesus, the one who "beholding him loved him," perfectly embodies the divine love (agape) that seeks our ultimate good, even when it requires radical sacrifice. His call to "take up the cross" foreshadows His own ultimate act of self-denial, as He, though rich, for our sakes became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). Jesus Himself took up His cross, enduring suffering and death on Calvary, to provide the "treasure in heaven" that He promised. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross make it possible for us to truly follow Him, for He has already borne the ultimate burden. Our call to "follow me" is not merely an imitation of His actions, but a participation in His life, death, and resurrection, made possible by His atoning work ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptized into Christ's Death")). He is the true treasure, and in Him, all spiritual riches are found ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 2:4

Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Matthew 6:19

¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Luke 10:42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1 Timothy 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Luke 18:22

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.