In Mark 10, beginning at verse 17; here we have the story of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus to ask Him the question that is one of the deepest longings, yearnings of the human heart. He wanted to know: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The Bible is clear. There are two paths which may be chosen in life (Matthew 7:13-14); the narrow way is the way that leads to eternal life and is the most important because it determines the destiny for the soul of man, which is of more value than all the riches of the world (Matthew 16:26). Many in the world today desire to have the best of both worlds, but such is impossible, since man cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:19-24); man must serve one or the other. The rich young ruler is an inspired example of one who faced the great decision. The choice of masters determines our eternal destiny. Therefore, it is life’s greatest decision.
This young man ran to Jesus and kneeled to Him; he worshiped the Christ. In kneeling to Him, he recognized Jesus as Divine and entitled to worship. He asked the Good Teacher, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” He was concerned about eternal life; he went to the right Person to ask this question. Notice, “Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). This young man realized that eternal life was not granted unconditionally, that there was something which he would have to do. And he realized that in spite of the fact that there was something for him to do, that eternal life would still be a matter of inheritance (Mark 10:17).
What shall I do to inherit eternal life? Mark 10:19, “Thou knowest the commandments.” Matthew 19:17 says, “…if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Indeed, something does have to be done. What is it? “Keep the commandments.” Be obedient to God’s word! The Law of Moses was still in effect at that time, and this man was responsible to the Mosaic Law. This young ruler replied in Matthew 19:18, “Which?” That is, which commandment? He seemed to think that there was one certain thing which he could do that would secure him for eternal life.
Many today feel the same way, but the Lord stresses that there is not one commandment to keep, but all. The Bible declares in Hebrews 5:8-9, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepth not my saying” (John 14:23-24). “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Obedience to the will of God is expected if we are to enter the kingdom of heaven; there is simply no other way to show our love to God, the truth, His word, the Gospel, but to obey it! God is pleased with obedience (1 Samuel 15:22); obedience is required of all! And if we refuse, then we have no right to call Jesus our Lord (Luke 6:46). “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
What shall I do to inherit eternal life? Deny self! In response, the young man affirmed concerning the commandments of God, “All these things have I observed from my youth up” (Mark 10:20). The rich man asked in Matthew 19, “What lack I yet?” Jesus said, in Mark 10:21, "...One thing thou lackest: go thy way and whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor and thou shall have treasure in heaven..." One thing he lacked – the surrender of self, which involved the surrender of all. Sell all! Christ must be all! One of the most difficult things in life is denying self, living apart from selfish desires and ambitions. Jesus showed the rich young man just how selfish and how earthly his thoughts and aims were. He showed him how firmly his heart which he thought longed for heaven was chained to this earth and all its material values. Here we find the very essence of Christianity – total surrender of self; the young man could not rise to the sacrifice. But, if we were to question ourselves today with such a question as, “Who rules in our life – God or self?” What kind of answer would we give? If we were to ask ourselves, “Who gets the most of our time and our material possessions – God or self?” What kind of answer would we give? “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). The love of Christ constrains us to leave the world of sin and self; we are not to please ourselves (Romans 15:1).
This young man’s possessions happened to be that which prevented him from following Christ. He would probably have given up half his possessions, but he could not give up all for Christ. What is it that prevents you from becoming a purer, stronger, holier person for Christ?
What shall I do to inherit eternal life? “Take up the cross, and follow me”, said Christ (Mark 10:21). To be perfect, as he as this young man claimed to be, he was going to have to give up wealth, power and position, and cast his lot with the despised Teacher of Nazareth. Eventually, this cost of discipleship was not what the young man had in mind, for Mark 10:22 says that when he “heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.”
To take up the cross and follow Him is life’s greatest challenge. To be a disciple of Jesus we must love Him more than anything in this world; every disciple of Jesus must bear his own cross (Luke 14:27). It costs to have heaven as our home; it costs to be able to enjoy the feast in heaven! It demands the bearing of the cross! That cross is the willingness to give up everything, even one’s own life.
Following Jesus would be most difficult and would take enormous self-denial and sacrifice. However, He has promised to be with us to help us, to walk before us, to show the way, to walk beside us to give us strength, and to walk behind us to give us encouragement, but, he never, never, promised being His disciple would be easy! It may cost a great deal to serve God. Of course, the reward is worth it! The prize is worth the price!
The Christian walk is one that follows the path of the Lord. Surely, we would trade this earth in for a place where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, pain, sorrow, disappointment, and separation. Thank God that we can have Heaven, if we will just count the cost. If the cross of Calvary ever meant anything to you, let us get our priorities right. Jesus went to one of those drab wooden crosses so that you and I would never have to taste eternal death in Hell. He didn’t have to do it, but He did it because His priorities were right. The least you and I can do is give up our lives to Jesus Christ!