Audio Link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fgJGJwXLJ3pjPY_9o7Wk1R3jbacSe0Kw/view?usp=sharing
This story of the rich young man in Mark 10:17-22 is both powerful and convicting. It reveals a truth that many of us struggle with: the cost of following Jesus and the things we hold onto that keep us from fully surrendering to Him.
1. A Desire for Eternal Life: The young man approaches Jesus with a genuine question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” His eagerness is apparent—he runs to Jesus and kneels before Him, showing both urgency and respect. Many of us, like the rich young man, long for eternal life, but sometimes we mistakenly think it’s something we can earn through good deeds or following a set of rules.
Jesus begins by pointing the young man to the commandments, and the man responds that he has kept them all from his youth. He was morally upright and religiously devoted, yet he still felt something was missing.
Reflection: Do you ever feel like you're doing all the "right things" but still sense that something is lacking in your relationship with God? Reflect on your own journey and consider if there are areas where you're seeking to earn God's approval rather than simply following Him wholeheartedly.
2. "You Lack One Thing": In verse 21, Jesus looks at the man with love and speaks to the very heart of his struggle: “You lack one thing.” For this man, that one thing was his attachment to his wealth. Jesus tells him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him. It wasn’t that wealth itself was evil, but it had become a barrier between the man and a full commitment to following Jesus. His wealth was more than just possessions—it was his identity, his security, and his source of self-worth.
Jesus often calls us to let go of the things that stand in the way of fully following Him. It could be wealth, success, relationships, or anything that takes priority over Him in our hearts. Jesus doesn’t just want part of our lives—He wants all of us.
Reflection: What is the "one thing" in your life that may be keeping you from fully following Jesus? Is it material possessions, comfort, status, or even fear? Ask the Lord to reveal any areas where you are holding back and to give you the courage to surrender those things to Him.
3. The Cost of Discipleship: The young man walked away sorrowful because he had great possessions. He wasn’t willing to pay the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus requires us to let go of our attachments to worldly things and place our trust in Him alone. While this may feel like a loss, Jesus promises that what we gain—treasure in heaven and a relationship with Him—is far greater than anything we could ever give up.
Reflection: Are there things in your life that you are unwilling to give up for the sake of following Jesus? What might it look like for you to fully surrender to Him, trusting that what He offers is better than anything this world could give?
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and for calling us to follow You completely. Help us to let go of the things that hold us back from fully surrendering to You. Show us the areas of our lives where we are still trying to hold on to our own security, comfort, or possessions. Give us the courage to trust You more deeply, knowing that the treasure You offer is far greater than anything we could ever gain on our own. In Your name, we pray, Amen.
As you go through your day, ask the Lord to show you what He may be calling you to surrender, and trust that His plans for you are better than anything you could hold onto yourself. True fulfillment comes not from what we possess, but from following Jesus with a heart fully devoted to Him.
May your week be blessed!
Peace my Friend!
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