You.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. Mark ten, verse 21. Who was this man that Jesus loved? We know him best as the rich young ruler. The gospels record his encounter with Jesus, but nothing more is said about him elsewhere in the New Testament. Just reading his story lets us know that there is more to the man than meets the eye. When we read carefully, we notice first of all that he was a seeker. Her he was searching for something. Here was a man who, for all appearances, had everything a person could possibly want in life. Wealth, social status, and even a wholesome character. Yet something was missing from his life. Money, fame and respect from others failed to satisfy his emotional and spiritual needs. He was seeking for something more. We should also notice that the man was an outsider. He wasn't from the inner circle of Jesus'friends. He wasn't an apostle or even a disciple. He wasn't a believer. He stands out from the crowd in the story because he is different from others. Others were poor. He was well off. Others lived a common life. He lived a life of privilege. Others had to fend for themselves while he was pampered in every way. Still, Jesus loved this man. Jesus saw what others didn't see. Jesus didn't see a spoiled, pampered rich kid with power and privilege. Jesus saw a man who was lost and could not find his way. And Jesus loved him, which is the key point of the story. You see, this is not simply the story of a man. This is a story that tells us how Jesus felt about people. He loved them. To be like jesus means that we too will love people, really love them, no matter who or what they are. Rich people, poor people, black people and white people, the loved and the unloved, the wanted and the unwanted. People who are just like us and people who are anything but like us. Jesus looked at that man and loved him. We are supposed to be like Jesus. But unless we change the way we look at others, especially those who are different from us, that will never be said about us.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to [email protected] have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.