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Day 228

2 Peter 3:11 "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness." 2 Peter 3:11"

Day 228 – Mark 10

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” 2 Peter 3:11

THE TENDER HEART OF JESUS

How did Jesus feel towards this obviously young earnest inquirer? Was He offended at the seeming arrogance of his words? The following text revealed the tenderness of heart of Jesus.


“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved himâ?¦”
MARK 10:21A

1. Jesus was not angry

There was nothing to be angry about. This young inquirer was earnest and sincere, even if he had not been able to see his own sinful heart.

2. Jesus loved him

This young man fared better than the following:-

a) Better than the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees
b) Better than the indolent multitudes that did not respond fully despite all that they had heard from the lips of Jesus, and the miracles He had performed

THE ACID TEST

Jesus needed the earnest inquirer to see his true spiritual state. He offered a challenge to this young man as a proof of the goodness of his heart.


“One thing you lack: Go your way,
sell whatever you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasures in heaven;
and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
MARK 10:21

Jesus needed to point out just one thing that was lacking. This “one thing” was expressed in three related ways:-

1. Giving away wealth to the poor

2. Believing in Jesus and following Him as a disciple

3. Believing that one should store treasures in heaven than on earth

A SAD BUT NOT UNEXPECTED RESPONSE

The face of the earnest inquirer must have fallen when he heard these words. His response was not unexpected.


“But he was sad at this word and went away sorrowful,
for he had great possessions.”
MARK 10:22

The earnest inquirer had finally seen the true state of his heart. He was not all that good after all! Preferring earthly treasures, he forfeited the treasure of eternal life.