“One thing you lack…”

In Mark 10:17 a rich young ruler expressed a desire to follow Jesus. He asked, “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

There is no greater goal that one could have than to be an heir to eternal life.

The young man asked Good Master, what shall I do? Jesus responded, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” (Mark 10:18-20)

According to the young ruler, he had been the model commandment keeper from the time he was a little boy. The things that Jesus said, did not present a challenge for him. Perhaps for others, but not him. Had the conversation stopped there, the young man would have gladly followed. There was no challenge in doing the things he was already doing and abstaining from those things he was already abstaining from. However, Jesus did not stop there, He looked at the young man with love in His heart for him and said, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Mark 10:21

Clearly this young ruler wanted to follow Jesus to a certain degree, however, when the cost was revealed, he was not willing.

When it is discovered that we must do something that makes us uncomfortable, or stop doing something that brings us pleasure, it is made clear whether or not we really want to follow Jesus.