MARK 10:17-22 NIV

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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?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’

 

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 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.

• The rich man in the story had done a checklist of "good things" in his life and he wanted the reassurance from Jesus that he was going to heaven. He thought that following his checklist of good deeds and would save him.

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  • Why? Well, the Jewish people of this day followed the Old Testament Laws.

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• • These weren't like speed limits, they were spiritual instructions. The Law was so strict it even told them what to eat! 

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• • But Jesus doesn't operate with  with a checklist of tasks to complete.

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• Jesus' response is simple "Give up everything to follow me, not just the stuff that's easy to give up."​

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• That man had potential to prosper even more than he already was but he didn't see Jesus as worth it.

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• Jesus never forces anyone to follow him — He invites them!

What are you willing to give up for Jesus?

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What biggest thing that keeps you from thinking thst Jesus is worth it? What's something that would help you overcome that doubt?

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(Read Galations 5:22-23) When following Jesus gets hard, what are some ways The Holy Spirit can help us?

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