Let’s keep following Jesus after He blessed the children.

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”  So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is; God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and your mother.’” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mark 10: 17-24

This rich young ruler had a clear cut issue that had to be decided. He couldn’t have both; it was all the way with Jesus or nothing at all. The young man makes his choice.

Why didn’t he choose the way of life? Jesus looked at him, and I’m sure it wasn’t just a passing glance; the scripture says He loved him. Did the man see that or did he miss it, worrying about what he should say next? There was only one thing that he lacked, yet he walked away… choosing instead fading treasures. He was unwilling to look past the present (and what he currently possessed), to the future and all that was offered to him. He knew what Jesus was asking of him and decided it was just too much. He would have to give up his riches and all that he thought he had done, and pick up a cross of suffering to follow a Savior who would be in total control.

What thing or things do you lack? Are you willing to lay even the ‘good’ down for the glory of the Lord? If you answer no to that question, then the very things you perceive as good are not good at all.

Did being rich prohibit him from entering the kingdom? It didn’t have to, but it did because his heart was set on the here and now; he could not see the real Treasure that stood before Him. Instead of the cross of Christ he chose the wealth and power of the world. Instead of the promise of unceasing riches, he had only what would never satisfy him.

Did he believe Jesus? OR was that not even the issue? Could it be that he couldn’t hear past the words….Sell whatever you have and give to the poor.

If you were young, rich, and in a position of authority, how quickly would you leave it all behind? Of course we know the correct answer, but you and I are sitting in the comfort of our homes right now, and the reality of this is so far from what we are faced with. Honestly friends, what would you do if you were face to face with Jesus and this question was asked of you?

Would you see the love on His face as He tells you what you most desperately need to know? Or would you not even hear His invitation because you are trying to weigh in your mind if you think following will be worth what you have to give up? If we are truly Christ’s we have to be willing to give up anything that He asks us to; anything. We have to leave the riches of the world and follow the Savior of the cross who owns the riches that will surpass our wildest dreams. He is willing to give all He has to us, but He has given us a cross to carry first.

For Today: The young man made his own choice and kept everything he came to Him with. So then, why was he sad? Why did he leave the presence of Jesus sorrowfully?

      He left the way he did because he left without Jesus.

Who can you tell today, that there is nothing in this world worth holding onto if it means holding onto it without Jesus?

Do you believe that with all your heart?