Philosophy, religion: the rich young man

Self-tutoring about riches vs eternity: the tutor mentions a famous part of the New Testament.

Mark 10:17 witnesses Jesus being approached by a young man who wants eternal life: “How can I attain it?” he asks. Jesus mentions the commandments, which the young man claims to follow. Jesus next suggests the young man should give all his possessions to the poor and then follow Him. However, the young man retreats, since he is rich.

The rich young man faces a dilemma in that he is already getting a good deal on Earth. Therefore, perhaps unlike someone poor, he feels he has a lot to lose by giving up the life he knows. He lacks faith that eternal life is worth the sacrifice.

The Bible contains many ironies. One is that so many of the seemingly devout people don’t believe in Jesus when they meet Him. Jesus argues that, since his coming is prophesied in the Old Testament, the devout should recognize Him.