February 12, 2003
Reading: Mark 10:46-52

 

“And immediately he … followed Jesus on the road” (52)

 

Why is it so difficult to follow Jesus without compromise? We have trusted Him to be our Savior, we say we love Him with all of our heart and, on occasion, we tell Him we will serve Him no matter what it takes. And, all the time He does not ask us to sacrifice something or do something that makes us feel uncomfortable, we are happy to follow Him all the way. The tenth chapter of Mark contains an interesting compilation of stories that speaks directly to our question.

Verses 17-22 recounts the occasion when a young ruler of substantial wealth asked Jesus, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (17). Luke 18:18 tells us he was a ruler and Matt 19:20 that he was young. Jesus challenges him regarding the commandments and he promptly answers, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Jesus, who knows the heart and thoughts of each one of us, goes to the bottom line, “One thing you lack.” He told him to sell all his possessions and follow Him and willingly accept the persecutions that come with such a commitment. This was too much to ask, too deep of a commitment, so he “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

Verses 35-45 presents us with a totally different scenario. Two of Jesus’ disciples, the brothers James and John, asked of Him a favor: “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory” (37). Jesus asked them if they were willing to follow Him to the point of drinking the cup (suffering the persecution) that comes with following Him (38). They were willing, and Jesus confirmed they would. However He refused their request and told them that position was reserved for those for whom it is prepared (40). James and John wanted a reward in exchange for committing themselves completely to Jesus. Instead, He gave them a lesson in humility and servant hood. The reward for their attitude was opposite for what they requested. They wanted to be first in recognition and authority, Jesus told them, “Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (43).

Then we come to the wonderful story of Bartimaeus. Blind, begging and living in poverty, he heard that Jesus was passing by. Like the rich man and the disciples, he asked something of Him. Jesus asked him the same thing He asked James and John, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man’s request was fulfilled. He asked to receive his sight and Jesus said, “Go your way, your faith has made you well” (52). The response of the once blind man is recorded as, “And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.”

Spiritually blind and dead in our sins, Jesus has given us eternal life and opened our eyes to behold Him. Is this not sufficient reason to commit our lives completely to Him? What other motive do we seek? If Jesus tells us to sell all our possessions to follow Him, are we willing to do so? If He asks us to spend our life serving others instead of seeking recognition and high status, do we joyfully agree? Is there something keeping us from totally committing ourselves to Him?

I recently received an email from a friend to tell me, “I am giving up my party life for God.” Whatever it is, are we willing to accept His conditions of discipleship? We do not have to seek rewards for following Jesus, for He is no man’s debtor and there are built in rewards. May God grant to each of us the desire and willingness to follow Him without any reservation.