In Mark 10:17-30, Jesus encounters a wealthy young man who seeks eternal life but struggles with the cost of true discipleship. This passage reveals the challenges of wealth and the sacrifices required to follow Jesus fully. It also promises that those who give up everything for His sake will receive far greater rewards. This devotional explores the implications of Jesus’ teaching on wealth and discipleship, urging us to evaluate our own commitment to following Him.
Scripture Reading:
“As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God. You know the commandments: ‘Don’t murder, Don’t commit adultery, Don’t steal, Don’t give false testimony, Don’t defraud, Honor your father and mother.’’ He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.’ Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ But he was sad at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!’ The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, ‘Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.’ They were exceedingly astonished, saying among themselves, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus, looking at them, said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.’ Peter began to tell him, ‘Behold, we have left everything, and have followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Most certainly I say to you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake and for the gospel’s, but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last first.’” — Mark 10:17-30 (WEBBE)
Reflection: In this passage, a wealthy young man approaches Jesus, seeking guidance on how to obtain eternal life. Jesus initially reminds him of the commandments, to which the young man claims adherence. However, Jesus addresses the deeper issue: his attachment to wealth. Jesus instructs him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him.
The young man’s sorrowful departure reveals the challenge of relinquishing material wealth for the sake of following Jesus. Jesus uses this moment to teach His disciples about the difficulty for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God. The metaphor of the camel and the needle’s eye underscores the near impossibility of this task from a human perspective.
However, Jesus also offers hope, declaring that while salvation is impossible for man alone, it is entirely possible with God. He assures that those who sacrifice for His sake and the gospel will receive abundant blessings both in this life and in the age to come.
This passage challenges us to examine our own attachments and priorities. Are we willing to surrender anything that hinders our relationship with Jesus? The promise of greater blessings and eternal life should motivate us to evaluate our faithfulness and commitment to following Him, even when it requires significant sacrifice.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your teachings on discipleship and the challenges of wealth. Help us to recognize and address any attachments that may be hindering our relationship with You. Give us the strength to follow You wholeheartedly, trusting in Your promises of abundant blessings and eternal life. Teach us to value Your Kingdom above all else and to rely on Your grace for the impossible tasks. In Your name, Amen.
Action Plan:
- Evaluate Attachments: Identify areas in your life where material possessions or other attachments may be hindering your relationship with God. Take steps to address these issues and prioritize your faith.
- Practice Generosity: Look for opportunities to give to those in need and to support God’s work. Consider ways to use your resources to further the Kingdom of God.
- Seek God’s Guidance: Pray for wisdom and strength to follow Jesus’ call in your life. Ask for His guidance in making sacrifices and decisions that align with His will.
Thoughts for Contemplation:
- What are the specific attachments or possessions in my life that might be preventing me from fully following Jesus?
- How can I better align my priorities with the values of the Kingdom of God?
- In what ways have I experienced or can I anticipate God’s blessings and provisions in response to my sacrifices for His sake?
As you reflect on these questions, seek God’s help in overcoming obstacles to your discipleship and trust in His promise of abundant blessings and eternal life for those who follow Him with a wholehearted commitment.