Day 24 | March 29

This Lenten season is a time to prayerfully reflect on Jesus’ time on earth. It was the immeasurable love of Christ that brought Him to the cross and tomb. We know He died on the cross to give us new life.

Effective pastors and teachers often tell stories to illustrate Biblical truth. This story from Mark’s gospel is packed with vital and important truths for us.

A man who had heard Jesus speak came running and kneeling at Jesus’ feet. His question for Jesus is one that is echoed by many of us, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ In response to his question, Jesus reminded him of several of the ten commandments. The response of the rich man was immediate, ‘I do all of these!’

As Jesus looked and listened to the man, He loved him and told him the truth, ‘sell all you have, give it to the poor, and follow me!’ The man was saddened by the response of Jesus and went away unsatisfied.

What did Jesus mean by His response to the man’s question? The man assumed that all he was responsible for was to do the commandments and that would be enough. However, he was unwilling to make a total commitment and follow Jesus.

The Bible tells us to ‘seek first the kingdom of God’ (Matthew 6:33). This story clearly shows that to have eternal life, we must live totally surrendered to Christ! We cannot allow anything to be more important in our lives.

Please take a moment and bow your head and do a personal inventory. Is Jesus Christ first in your life? Do your possessions mean more to you than your commitment to Jesus? Have things in this world (money, homes, hobbies, etc.) become more important to you than your love and service to Jesus?

As we approach the celebration of the resurrection, be certain that Jesus Christ is first in your life!