The man was trapped by his riches, though He was a good man morally. Jesus saw the ropes with which he had tied himself. Jesus felt love and compassion for him. He gave him an answer that could have freed him, but the man walked away. He walked away from love, freedom and a bright future. Overflowing love and compassion wanted him to come back, but did not go after him to coerce him against his will. His is a love that does not seek to control; He even loves us when we go away from His message. His love, though rejected, keeps on loving. We are called to practice a love like that, in so doing, we will be like our Teacher.
“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:21-22
