A potential convert

Mark 10:17. Here is a potential convert. He runs to Jesus (he is earnest), he kneels down (he is humble), he asks how he can inherit eternal life (what more could we want in a convert?). But notice what Jesus didn’t do. He didn’t speak of the love of God or a wonderful plan, or lead him in a “sinner’s prayer.”

Instead, He reproved the man’s understanding of “good.” This is because most unsaved people have an erroneous understanding of what “good” is. To see this, ask sinners if they think they are good people, and you will find that 99 percent say they are. Proverbs 20:6 tells us, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness.” Imitate Jesus; do what He did. Reveal the righteousness of God by showing sinners God’s standard of “goodness”—the moral Law (see v. 19). It was the Law that exposed the man’s hidden sin: he was a transgressor of the First Commandment. His money was his god, and one cannot serve God and money (see Matt. 6:24).

Notice that is was “love” that motivated the Savior to speak in this way to this rich young man (v. 21). Love sinners enough to do your best to make sure they don’t have a false conversion. They must have the knowledge of sin before they come to the Savior (see Rom. 3:19,20; 7:7,13).

Mark 10:17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I tdo that I may inherit eternal life?”