Mark 10: 17 - 22, 'Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, asking, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' So Jesus answered, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God." You know the commandments: 'Don not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, nor bear false witness; do not defraud - honor your father and your mother.' The young man replied, 'Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.' Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him saying, One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have, give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; take up your cross, and follow Me.' But the young man was sorrowful at this word and went away, because he had great possessions.'
This scripture always fascinated me because you have a young man asking what we all want to get a straight answer from God about...'How do I inherit eternal life?' Jesus told him that he lacked 1 thing, but he told him to do 5 things!! If you study this portion out, it's quite interesting what the young man was trying to accomplish versus the answer he received from Jesus.
Jesus realized the true heart of this man and wanted to give him specific instructions on what he must do in order to have eternal life...
First, He told him to go his way...he has kept the Commandments since his youth; Jesus told him to stay on course, (Go your way)
Secondly, He told him to sell what he had...now, the larger truth had to do with his wealthy status in life, so how would that apply to you and me? Simple...when you sell everything you have, you're telling God that you are willing to part with materials closest to your heart in order to fulfill God's will...you are also willing to sell out for Jesus!
Thirdly, He told this man to give to the poor...the poor are more than folks without money, there are those who are poor in spirit and could use a lift every now and then. God has given you and I revelation and a word from heaven to bless others with.
Fourth, He told him to take up his cross - Fifth, He told him to follow Jesus...not anyone else, follow Him!!
These things He has also extended to you and I and He's challenged us to walk in these things as well. So the question is, 'Will you Go?' Will you totally submit yourself to Jesus Christ? Are you willing to do what He commanded the young ruler to do? Think about it.
- Pastor Melrose
