Scripture: Mark 10: 17-22
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Scripture Commentary: What shall I do to be saved?
This young man wanted to be sure that he would have eternal life. He asked, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said that he’d never once broken any of the laws Jesus mentioned. Perhaps he had even kept the Pharisees loophole-filled version of the law.
Jesus lovingly broke through the young man’s pride with a challenge that brought out his true motives. “Go, sell everything you have and give it to the poor.”
Don’t let God’s challenge be your barrier to Him.
This challenge exposed the barrier that could keep this man – and us – out of the kingdom: his love of money. Money represented his pride of accomplishment and self worth. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment, which is to let nothing be more important than God.
He could not meet the one requirement Jesus gave. He was unable to turn his whole heart and life over to God. This man came wondering what he could do. He left seeing what he was unable to do.
What barriers are keeping you from turning your life over to Christ?
What does your money mean to you? Your reaction may show your attitude toward money. Is money your servant or your master?
Your only true master should be your love for Jesus Christ.
Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced: