Mark 10:20

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

And {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Master {G1320}, all {G3956} these {G5023} have I observed {G5442} from {G1537} my {G3450} youth {G3503}.

"Rabbi," he said, "I have kept all these since I was a boy."

“Teacher,” he replied, “all these I have kept from my youth.”

And he said unto him, Teacher, all these things have I observed from my youth.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of the compelling encounter between Jesus Christ and a wealthy young man, often referred to as the "rich young ruler," who approaches Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Prior to this verse, Jesus had listed several commandments from the Decalogue (such as "Do not commit adultery," "Do not kill," "Do not steal," "Honor thy father and mother") as a foundational response to the young man's inquiry. Mark 10:20 captures the young man's immediate and confident reply, asserting his lifelong adherence to these moral laws.

Key Themes

  • Human Self-Righteousness: The young man's declaration, "all these have I observed from my youth," reveals a common human tendency to trust in one's own perceived goodness or moral efforts for salvation. He genuinely believes he has perfectly kept the commandments, demonstrating a superficial understanding of the Law's deeper spiritual demands and failing to recognize his own inherent sinfulness.
  • The Purpose of the Law: Jesus' interaction here subtly illustrates that the Law's primary purpose is not merely to be kept outwardly to earn salvation, but rather to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's inability to achieve righteousness by works alone. The young man's confidence would soon be challenged by Jesus' subsequent instruction, revealing what was truly lacking in his life.
  • The Nature of True Discipleship: This exchange sets the stage for Jesus to reveal that true discipleship requires more than outward obedience; it demands radical commitment, a willingness to surrender everything, and complete reliance on God. This is further elaborated in Jesus' next challenge to him, which targets the young man's greatest attachment.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Master" used by the young man is the Greek word Didaskalos (διδάσκαλος), which literally means "Teacher." While respectful and acknowledging Jesus' authority as an instructor, it indicates that the young man saw Jesus primarily as a moral guide or rabbi, rather than fully comprehending His divine nature as the Son of God or the Messiah. This perspective limited his understanding of Jesus' ultimate authority and the true spiritual demands of the kingdom Jesus proclaimed.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful moment for self-examination for believers today:

  • Do we, like the rich young ruler, sometimes rely on our own good deeds, moral living, or religious observance as a basis for our standing with God or for salvation? The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace through faith, not a result of human works (Ephesians 2:9).
  • It challenges us to look beyond outward conformity to God's commands and to consider the deeper intentions of our hearts. True obedience flows from a transformed heart that loves God above all else, recognizing our constant need for His grace and mercy.
  • The story reminds us that Jesus often meets us where we are in our spiritual journey, but then calls us to a deeper, more radical commitment and surrender to Him, exposing any areas where we might be holding back.
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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 33:31 (5 votes)

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

  • Ezekiel 33:32 (5 votes)

    And, lo, thou [art] unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

  • 2 Timothy 3:5 (4 votes)

    Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

  • Philippians 3:6 (4 votes)

    Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

  • Romans 7:9 (3 votes)

    For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

  • Luke 18:11 (3 votes)

    The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

  • Luke 18:12 (3 votes)

    I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.