Count The Cost Series

Keys of Courageous Faith:

Count The Cost

Mark 10:17-31

Introduction

Courageous faith always finds its strength in knowing the presence of Christ, hearing his Word, and following his example. This month we have followed the growing courage in the faith of the disciples as we make our way through Mark. We saw them face thousands of hungry people. We watched them face a storm and a ghost! We were amazed as they saw Jesus transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah. In each of these accounts their faith challenged and they grew in their willingness to follow the Messiah. Also in each of these our faith is challenged and we have opportunity to grow. In today’s text we will join the disciples once again as they grow in courageous faith in Jesus. As they grow, let us grow with them!

Jesus has just rebuked his disciples for trying to keep little children away from him. (MK 10:14-16 “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.)

3. At that moment a young man runs up to Jesus and throws himself at his feet. This man joins a long list of people who interrupt Jesus on his journey. Jesus willingly engages with him - and we know some things about him. This story is included in MT, MK, LK:

-He was eager - he ran up to meet Jesus!

-He was young - Matthew tells us- had dreams of the future!

-He was rich - he had opportunities many others would not!

-He was a ruler - Luke tells us - a man of influence or power

-He was religious and sought to live a good life.

Read Mark 10:17-22

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.

3 important questions that we want to hear.

1. What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? (10:17)

This question recognizes that this life is not all there is. Our lives are relatively short. Job 14:1-2 “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble. They spring up like flowers and wither away; like fleeting shadows, they do not endure.” John 5:28-29 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”

It recognizes that there is something required of us. John 6:40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to

the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

It recognizes that eternal life is an inheritance, not purchase. Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…

It is the place where we step from our path to the one God has set before us. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

It is a courageous question and can only be answered by courageous faith! There is another implied question here.

2. What Do I Lack? (10:21)

Jesus acknowledges his good life. No one is good except God alone (18) - helping the man recognize he was not just talking to a rabbi. Keep the commandments (19-20). 10:21 “Jesus looked at him and loved him…” It appears at this time that this good young man has it all together. But Jesus knows something about him that we cannot see.

"One thing you lack”

So far everything about his religion is self-focused, self-powered - he is a good person but his trust is not in God, it is in his wealth. Jesus asks him something he doesn’t ask of anyone else: “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (21). Why did Jesus ask the young man to do this?