In the third discussion of what is fundamental to life (10:17–31), the possessions and social standing of the rich man are a striking contrast with the deficiencies of the children in the previous story. The rich man approaches Jesus with great eagerness and apparent receptiveness; he is the first person in Mark to ask to inherit eternal life, and he receives a clearer picture of the kingdom than anyone yet in Mark. Ironically, however, he turns away. Jesus deflects the address “good teacher” (10:17) perhaps because, like rabbis in general, he wished to avoid possible blasphemy against God, but more likely because he wished to redirect the man’s thoughts to the commandments of God. To the prohibitions of murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and dishonoring parents, Jesus adds a comma…