What’s It Worth?
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, how kind and loving You are! How generous in providing daily for me and those I love!
Read Mark 10:17-31
[17] As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [18] “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good-except God alone. [19] You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'” [20] “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” [21] Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” [22] At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. [23] Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” [24] The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” [26] The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” [27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” [28] Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” [29] “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel [30] will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. [31] But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why did this man sadly leave Jesus?The genuine rectitude of the rich young ruler, and his heartfelt desire for eternal life, touched Jesus (21). However, Jesus knows that despite the good way he has lived, and however strongly he feels, this young man can’t be a wholehearted follower. His great earthly wealth is balanced against treasure in heaven and has more weight. It blinds him to the benefits of being Jesus’ follower, so all he sees is the cost. It saddens him not to be able to respond as Jesus asks—but not enough to change (22).
There’s no indication in the text whether Peter’s subsequent remark (28) is one of pride that he and the other disciples could do what the rich ruler couldn’t, or whether he was just reminding Jesus that when he called them, they came immediately (1:16-18). Jesus’ reply shows that whatever the cost, and despite any resulting difficulties, the price is worth paying (29,30). The young man couldn’t see that. What’s your price?
Apply
How would you explain the value to you of belonging to Christ? What price have you or would you pay?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, being Yours is worth more to me than anything else in the world. May nothing ever change that.
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