 March 10, 1999
LIFE & WORK:
Total surrender is the
price of being a disciple
___ Mark 10:17-31
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___Jesus customized his message to individuals. The truth was the same,  but the presentation pointed like a laser beam to the person's need or issue (e.g. John 3:3, 4:10; Luke 5:10). Jesus told the rich young ruler (characteristics gleaned from Matthew 19 and Luke 18) to sell all his possessions and give them to the poor in order to follow Jesus (v. 21). Rich and poor alike can possess an inappropriate attitude toward money that keeps them from the kingdom of God.
___However, material wealth is no more immoral and disadvantageous than one's love for family (Luke 14:26). Both can become barriers to following Christ if we elevate their importance to an improper level. Nevertheless, wealth remains one of many potential stumbling blocks for inquiring disciples. What is the barrier in your life that stands between you and God? Surrender of that barrier is the price you must pay to be a disciple of Jesus.
___ A comprehensive demand (Mark 10:17-21). Jesus encountered a man who desired eternal life. He even recognized Jesus as "good" (v. 17) which may have hinted at a deeper understanding of Jesus' nature. However, the rich young ruler focused on human activity that could lead to salvation rather than seeking God's gift. He wanted to do something (v. 17) just as he had faithfully kept the Ten Commandments (v. 20).
___Jesus' instruction that he give up all he possessed (v. 21) highlighted the barrier of material possessions in the young man's life. Money and self-sufficiency kept him from total surrender to God. Anything that would compromise one's commitment must be forsaken.
___ A climactic decision (Mark 10:22-25). The young man chose to keep his possessions and forfeit eternal life (v. 22). He could not pay the price of discipleship. His decision prompted Jesus to state the difficulty a rich man has in entering the kingdom (vv. 23-25). The comical dilemma of a camel passing through the eye of a needle helped the disciples visualize the problem of human achievement in salvation. Possessions merely illustrate one form of human richness. When we cling to any earthly quality, that quality may serve as a barrier to salvation.
___ A caring God (Mark 10:26-27). The disciples clearly understood the ramifications of Jesus' word (v. 26). If what Jesus was saying was true, then who could possibly experience salvation? Jesus reminded them that God performs the miraculous work of salvation, not the person (v. 27).
___ A compensating promise (Mark 10:28-31). Peter rightfully noted that the disciples had paid a heavy price to follow Jesus (v. 28).
___The Lord assured them that they would be rewarded many times over for the sacrifices they made (vv. 29-30). The anticipated reward would not only come in heaven, but also on earth. God never takes away without giving much more back. Many have used this truth to manipulate God, but the truth of God's promised blessing remains firm. When we surrender possessions, pride, power, prestige, or any other thing that has become a barrier to discipleship, God restores it many times over.
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