He was young, he was wealthy, and he apparently had great influence among his people at the time. He also seemed to have been raised in a decent home having been taught the commandments of God. And yet, he knew something was lacking in his life. This most likely proved to be the catalyst for him coming to inquire of Jesus after hearing all this talk about ‘eternal life’. You can read the story in Matt. 19, Mark 10 and Luke 18. We know it as the story of the ‘rich, young ruler’.

This young man in search for truth did not come making demands; on the contrary, we read how he ‘ran to Jesus and knelt before Him’. (Mark 10:17). He seemed genuinely sincere asking what he might do to ‘inherit eternal life’. Talk about a willing and ready candidate to join this group of followers. So Jesus begins the ‘interview’. He lays out what is required and interestingly, it all points to the law, and keeping the commandments.

The young man wants to know ‘which commandments’, so Jesus begins to rattle off a few of the well known ones. Wanting to make a good impression, he informs Jesus that he has kept all these commandments since he was a young lad. Surely Jesus will invite him now to join the group. Imagine all the good this young man might offer the kingdom of God if he indeed is invited to be a part. Certainly his wealth and influence would go a long way of ‘bringing others in to the kingdom’.

Then, comes one more little ‘test’. Jesus looks into this man’s heart with nothing but love for him, (Mark 10:21) and says...’just one thing you lack’. (21). He presents that ‘one thing he must do’, and the young man ‘blinks’. The request is too steep, too pricey, too unreasonable. Jesus is asking too much of him. What did Jesus require? The same thing He ask of any and all who express a desire to be a disciple – and that is to be willing to ‘forsake all, take up the cross, and follow Jesus’. (Mark 10:21; Luke 14:33)

We are told the young man was grieved and sorrowful, eventually hanging his head and turning as he walked away. It’s important to note here that Jesus did not run after him and make a deal, water down the demands and ask him to reconsider. Jesus let him walk away; and He is no different with you and I. We have no idea what became of this young man, but nothing indicates that he became a follower, or a disciple of Jesus. And may I tell you here and now...that until we come to that place of being willing to ‘forsake all’, the ‘abiding’ does not even begin, nor can the process of sanctifying... which is the purifying of our hearts.

Friends...the Lord is not after your ‘material goods’, or your job title or even your family. And yet, He not only wants your entire heart, He demands it. It is no small price and we have to ‘count the cost’. But once God has your heart, He will begin to point out those things that lie deep within and ask you to ‘forsake’ or turn from (repent). For this young man in the story, it was his wealth and influence, that he was not willing to part with (covetousness/greed). For you and I, it is any and all of those things that ‘defile our hearts’. (Mark 7:21-23). If we are not willing to turn from and leave those things, then it is clear we don’t truly love God with ‘all our heart’, and let’s not forget, all...of God’s law is hinged on that one commandment alone. (Deut. 6:4-5; Matt. 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-28)