Listen

Jesus looked at him carefully and loved him. He said, “You are lacking one thing. Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.” But the man was dismayed at this statement and went away saddened, because he had many possessions.

Mark 10:21-22

Think

Two large-screen TVs, an iPhone and iPad, nice car and nice clothes, and thousands of books. These are just a few of the possessions that I own. If Jesus spoke to me the words, “Go, sell what you own,” I wonder how I would respond.

Here, the text speaks of the difficulty we have in letting go of material things or possessions. Jesus realized what he was asking of the young man would be difficult and yet responds with a look that reflected the love he has for him as one of God’s children. Jesus doesn’t criticize the young man for his shallowness or naiveté. Jesus has raised the level of commitment so that the young man may gain eternal life.

John Wesley wrote that it is hard for the rich to be good Christians because it becomes too easy to trust in their wealth and think there is no need to trust in God. How will you respond to Jesus’ request? Are you willing to divest yourself of your possessions in an effort to better the Kingdom of God for the least of us?

Tom Baynham

Pray

God of love and presence; when I need to let go of earthly possessions, I pray you speak within me as you did with the young man, in the spirit of your love and grace. Amen.

Go

O people, lay up your treasures in glory.

Your treasures in this world will fade away, but the things of the Lord will last forevermore!