And he answered and said to Him, ‘Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.’”
(Mark 10:20)
Mark 10 tells the sad story of the rich young ruler who, when given the opportunity to follow Jesus, turned away. This story offers four insights to help avoid striking out at the opportunity to follow Christ.
First, proud men at their best are sinners at their worst.
This man in Mark 10 was quite proud of his achievements; he was eager, full of strength and the vigor of youth. Outwardly, he was morally clean; he knew the commandments and had kept them in his youth. But Jesus taught him things he didn’t expect: the young ruler, in himself, was not good, and also, Jesus Himself is God.
Second, God’s perfect law condemns man’s sinful pride.
God is a holy God with holy laws; the purpose of the law is to show us our need for Christ. God’s grace means nothing to us until we first see ourselves as sinners in the sight of a holy God. When a person has been wounded by God’s law, then he or she is ready for the healing balm of salvation.
2- more tomorrow
• Have you been deceived to believe that you can be good in God’s sight?
• How does recognizing our own sin make God’s grace more precious to us?
Beginning with Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf, make a list of ways God has shown you His grace despite your sinfulness.