Mark Chapter 10: verses 17-22 (NLT Translation)
As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”
“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
The man’s enquiry, unlike the Pharisee’s, was genuine. Jesus knew the man’s heart and He loved him. But the man had a choice to make, and at that time he turned away. We don’t know what happened after that, but I always hoped that at some point he changed his mind and decided to become a follower of Jesus.
Jesus never forces us to do what He asks. It’s our choice. Yet regardless of the choices we make, Jesus loves us unconditionally. And in His grace, He will not turn us away if we turn back and do what He asks. And I really hope that this man did too!
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your love, and the love of Jesus that made Him go through with all You asked of Him. He was willing to pay the highest price because He loves us. Help me not to turn aside and to keep on the road You have planned for me. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.