Is there some belongings of yours that you could never part with, no matter what? Do you have some treasured object that nothing could force you to give up? Just a couple of months ago I had to move several hundred miles away, and I had to give up a lot of my belongings. I was not able to take them with me. I had a lot of books, and there was no way I was able to keep them all, so I had to make the difficult decision of which to take, and which to give up. The same with the many knick-knacks I had collected over the years, along with a lot of dishes. Thankfully, over the years, the Lord had taught me that “things” do not matter so much, so this wasn’t as hard as it would have been a number of years ago. In our Scripture today from the Gospel of Mark, we read of a young man who was asked to voluntarily give up his belongings for something infinitely better. Let’s look at what his decision was.
Word of Jesus’ ministry had spread far and wide around Galilee and Judah, and many people sought to see Him. Among them was one young man in particular. This young man came running up to Jesus, as he had a very important question he wished answered. This man wanted to know what he would need to do to receive eternal life. In light of this question we can be fairly certain that he was religious and spiritual. He also had great respect for Jesus, as he knelt before Him (vs. 17).
Jesus proceeded to review the Law, the Ten Commandments with this fellow (vs. 18-20). It is not that the Savior was saying that keeping the Law will earn someone heaven, because that won’t (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Jesus was digging deeper, to show this man what exactly was standing in the way of him and salvation. He then pointed out to this man in a kind and loving way that what is standing between him and a true relationship with God was material belongings and things, so He proceeded to tell him to get rid of them all (vs. 21-22). Unfortunately he could not do that. His wealth, his material things, were too tightly wrapped around his heart, and the young man left in the same spiritual condition he came in.
When Jesus proceeded to tell the disciples that it is difficult for the rich to find eternal life, they were surprised (vs. 23-26). At this time most Jews believed that riches were a sign of God’s blessing. Peter pointed out how he and the others had given up everything for Jesus, and He reassured him that they would receive God’s blessing (vs. 28-31).
There are other things besides literal money that can keep us from fully following Jesus, such as career, some treasured possession, family, friends, reputation, prestige, or power. Suppose you felt a very distinct call from the Lord to go into full-time Christian work of one type or another, would there be something that would hold you back? Perhaps you know that it would upset your parents because you might be called to move far away. Maybe you hold back because it would mean giving up that rather prestigious and lucrative job you have or wanted. Maybe it means selling the family home. If you knew that God wanted you to leave for the mission field or some other work for Him, and you didn’t because of some reason, then that thing has your heart and not Him. In our Scripture, this man’s riches had become more important to him than anything, even God.
Being rich in and of itself, is not wrong or sinful. Rich people do have some advantages for God that the poor do not have. They are able to spend more time in Bible study because they wouldn’t have to work that second job. They can give more money to the Lord. However, they are very likely to overlook their own need for God. They are tempted to replace God with any number of idols of their own making.
Faith in Jesus means following Him in this life, and giving our all to His Kingdom. For this rich young man, Jesus’ advice to sell everything and give away the proceeds and then follow Him, was a deal-breaker. He could not do that. Several centuries later, a similarly rich man heard God calling him to a life dedicated to His service. This man also came from a very wealthy family. However, he gave away his share of the family’s wealth and inheritance, and gave his life fully to the Lord Jesus. His name was St. Francis of Assisi. He did what this other man would not do. Let us ask ourselves if there is anything that we can’t bear to give up, whether money, possessions, or even people, in order to fully follow Jesus.
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