For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36). We in America are constantly rubbing shoulders with men and women who are passionately seeing what they can gain at the cost of their own souls! What about you and I? Is the love of money capturing us too?
As Jesus was walking in the way one came running. He knelt down before Jesus and asked, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Here was a man who had a great need in his heart and apparently, he believed Jesus could fill it. Jesus reminded him of the Ten Commandments, but this man was looking for something more.
Jesus looked into his heart, and he loved the man. Jesus sincerely wanted to help him fill this void in his life, and he saw with his all-seeing eye what was lacking.
Jesus’ answer to the rich man’s question was: Go and sell whatsoever thou hast. Give it to the poor. Come, take up the cross, and come follow me.
What a strange answer to a man seeking salvation! What does selling our things have to do with finding our way to heaven? What if the poor man squanders it?
Come take up the cross. That sounds better. We must be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ.
Come and follow me. We can understand this. Follow me, be my disciple, sit at Jesus’ feet, and learn the ways of God.
But what shall we do with this first command? Go-
Sell thy- sheep and goats.
Sell thy- land and barns.
Sell thy- vineyards, olive gardens, and winepresses.
Sell your- prospering business.
Sell your- cows and turkeys.
Sell your- computers and cell phones.
Sell your- cars and trucks.
Then, take the money and give it ALL to the poor and unfortunate of your local town. What foolishness, I would never tell someone to do that! I would never do it myself. If I did, how would I provide for myself?
But wait- these are the words of Jesus, the Son of God. Sell all that thou hast, and distribute it unto the poor (Luke 18:22).
Will selling all that I have and giving it to the poor gain me treasure in heaven? Jesus said it would for this rich man! Let’s go back to the four requirements.
Sell what you have. Give it to the poor. Take up the cross. Follow me.
I believe Jesus saw into this seeking man’s heart. He saw a man wrapped up in his possessions. He saw a man who couldn’t take up the cross and follow until he laid down the treasure of his heart. He saw a man who could not have treasure in heaven until he dispersed of his earthly treasures.
Are there men like this in the world today? Do they need to be given Jesus’ command?
Sell what you have. Give it to the poor. Take up the cross. Follow me.
Are we, as wealthy Mennonites, able to take this command for ourselves? Would Jesus tell some of us One thing thou Lackest?
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Will we go away sad, with our pockets full, or an empty pocket and a glad heart?
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