BY: Darrell Anderson, Associate Pastor
This ruler would fit in well in today’s society. He knew who Jesus was (v.18); he was interested in spiritual things (v.18); he was a good moral person (v.21); he was wealthy (v.23); and he had knowledge of scripture (v.20). This description could apply to many churchgoers.
However, Jesus was not impressed with these qualities. So, Jesus tells the man to sell everything he has and give it to the poor. The man left sad. Why? Because he could not give up the most important thing in his life – his possessions.
Is Jesus asking you to sell everything you have? Probably not? However, He is asking you to give up whatever is most important in your life. What is Jesus asking you to give up today? Your pride, your popularity, your money, sports, TV, a person? Jesus goes at what is the most important thing in your life and says, “Give it up!”
Why? First, only Jesus satisfies. Nothing else in life can satisfy your deepest longings other than Jesus. Second, Christ is all you need. If you were to lose everything but Jesus, you would discover that He is all you need. Third, Jesus wants you to be totally dependent on Him. No crutches and not security blanket.
The young ruler knew what it took to follow Jesus. He was not willing to do it. Are you? The commitment is hard but well worth it. God promises to reward you in this life and in the life to come (v.30). I do not know exactly how God will choose to bless you as you leave all to follow Him (v.28). However, those blessings will last forever. That is a pretty good trade – my stuff for His!
Paramount Pastors 