Locations & Times

Relating to ancient people with whom Jesus interacted can be difficult. I find that bringing those characters into a modern context can help me better understand the gravity of the interaction. What follows is a fictional interview based on the conversation the Rich Young Ruler (RYR) had with Jesus in Mark 10:17-22.

An exclusive interview with Wired

Today we are sitting down with one of the most successful young tech entrepreneurs of our time. Rodger Yuri Rodriguiez, or RYR just took his company public, and he sits down with us to talk about the secrets of his success and what he is focused on in the future.

Everyone knows about your recent success after taking your company public, one of the highest IPOs the market has seen. How did you achieve your success and how has your outlook on life changed?

I have a lot of things going for me. I believe my success has come directly from seeing the value in my business partners, investors, customers, and employees, and treating them well. We as a company have one of the highest rated cultures in the industry. I don’t think that’s an accident. … I think it’s also important to be honest, it’s a longer road to profitability that way, but I think it’s crucial in the process of building a foundation for predictability and success that investors can count on.

That approach has certainly appeared to pay off.

I like to think so

There is no doubt you have been successful, how has life changed as a result?

With the wealth I acquired I was able to relocate my aging parents next to my family and take care of their needs, which is something I’m incredibly proud of… being able to give back to them. And it is great that they can be so involved with my own kid’s lives

You also have what some would call an “ideal family life.” What’s your secret?

Making sure my wife and kids are my priority. I love my wife; what I have with her and my kids is irreplaceable.

What’s next for you?

Lately I’ve been thinking about bigger questions … the meaning of life, the secret of contentment, what comes after this life … the things that being successful hasn’t answered. I recently travelled to see a well-respected spiritual teacher named Jesus to see if He had any answers, and His response shocked me. It was like He took everything I thought was my purpose and was good and turned it on its head. 

What did He say?

He asked me to give away all that I had and give it to the poor.
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Jesus’ eternal focus on relationship and peace for His children helps us understand His challenge to the rich young ruler. His response served as an invitation, a way for RYR to experience the love and certainty Jesus knew would answer the deep internal questions he had travelled such a long way to resolve.

What are some of the internal questions we have? What is getting in the way of a relationship with God? In Mark 10, RYR was unwilling to make the sacrifice necessary. Are you? Take a moment to reflect on what God might be asking you to give up for a deeper relationship with Him.

Postscript: Some Christian traditions have John Mark as RYR, meaning he eventually gave up what he had, followed Jesus, and wrote the Gospel of Mark. Interestingly Mark uniquely emphasizes immediate commitment, suggesting John Mark had no regrets in his decision. 

If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.