In Mark 10:17-30, we encounter the story of the rich young man who came to Jesus with a heartfelt question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It’s a question many of us have asked in some form or another. We long for purpose, peace, and assurance that we’re living rightly in the eyes of God. The young man seemed sincere. He had followed the commandments from his youth and desired to know what more he could do.
Jesus responded in a way that shook the young man: “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The man’s face fell. He walked away sad, “because he had great wealth.” The rich young man's question, "What must I do?" reflects a mindset that often permeates our culture—a transactional approach to faith. We want a clear checklist: attend church, pray, give to charity, and live ethically. But Jesus's response reveals that discipleship is not just about doing the right things; it's about being radically transformed. In today’s world, this may look like someone who volunteers at their local homeless shelter but keeps their lifestyle of luxury insulated from the struggles of others. Perhaps they give money, but when called to a deeper level of commitment—to truly empathize with the suffering and adjust their lives accordingly—they, like the rich man, walk away sad. Jesus calls us to a deeper level of faith where we aren’t just performing religious acts but are willing to let go of the things that hold us back from full commitment to Him. The heart of this story is the challenge Jesus issues: "Let go of your possessions." In our modern society, this might seem extreme, but Jesus isn't necessarily calling everyone to sell everything. He is inviting each of us to examine what we cling to—whether that's wealth, status, power, or even security.
Consider the person who works 60-hour weeks in pursuit of a bigger house, a nicer car, or the next promotion. They may not realize that in doing so, they’re missing out on relationships with their family, or even their relationship with God. The “wealth” we accumulate might not be just money; it could be the idols we build around our careers, achievements, or material possessions. Jesus says, “Let go of it and follow Me.” One modern example is the rise of minimalist movements. People are realizing that accumulating more doesn't always lead to happiness. Sometimes less is more. They downsize their homes, cut back on consumption, and live more simply, finding that true joy comes not from possessions but from meaningful relationships and experiences. In the same way, Jesus invites us to hold everything in our lives loosely, ready to give it up for the sake of the Kingdom. Jesus tells the disciples, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God." The disciples are astonished. They ask, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus reassures them: "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." The cost of following Jesus may seem too high for us at times. It might mean sacrificing comforts, giving up habits, or stepping away from relationships that hinder our spiritual growth. Yet, the promise Jesus gives is that whatever we give up in this life will be repaid many times over, not just in heaven but even here on earth.
Take, for instance, the story of a successful entrepreneur who decided to leave his high-paying job to start a nonprofit organization. His friends thought he was crazy to leave behind security and prestige, but he felt called to use his skills to make a difference in the world. Though he faced challenges and financial uncertainty, he found a deeper sense of purpose and joy than he ever had in his corporate life. Following Jesus requires sacrifice, but those sacrifices lead to a life that is full of meaning and eternal significance. At the heart of this passage is the promise of eternal life. Jesus isn’t just talking about life after death; He’s talking about a quality of life here and now—a life of freedom, joy, and purpose found in following Him. It’s the life where we experience the fullness of God’s love and grace as we let go of what the world values and embrace the values of the Kingdom: love, generosity, humility, and service. In modern terms, this might look like prioritizing relationships over material success, choosing simplicity over excess, or serving others instead of seeking self-advancement. These are the treasures in heaven that Jesus speaks of—the lasting impact we have when we live according to His teachings. So, where does this leave us? Like the rich young man, we have a choice to make. Will we hold onto our worldly possessions and priorities, or will we let go and follow Jesus wholeheartedly? What is God asking you to release today so that you can experience the fullness of life in Him?
Let’s ourselves what the “riches” in our lives are that we need to surrender? It could be physical wealth, but it could also be pride, ambition, fear, judgement, lack of compassion towards others or control. Whatever it is, Jesus promises that when we give it up, we will receive something far greater—life in His Kingdom, both now and forever.
