WHAT MUST I DO?

THE RICH YOUNG RULER

Read Mark 10:17-22

     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?"   Mark 10:17 NIV

     The first error that this young man made, was in assuming that eternal life was something he could earn by doing something "good." He put Jesus into the same category as himself, by calling Him a "good teacher.” Jesus reminded him that the only really good or righteous One is God. Jesus, the Son of God, was able to fulfill the law perfectly, but this man could not.

     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.  At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. (10:21–22) ." He wasn't quite willing to be that good!

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     Lord, only You know what keeps people from coming to You in faith. We cannot know men's hearts, so it is by the Holy Spirit that men and women will see their need of salvation. Just help us to be faithful in sharing our faith with others while trusting You for the results.

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     Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" …The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."   Mark 10:23, 26-27 NIV