The Big Question

I like to think of this next verse as, The Big Question. This man had the courage and audacity to ask Jesus the question that everyone wants to ask, but most are afraid to, fearing the answer.

Mark 10:17 (NLT)
As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus then turns to the man and reminds him about God’s command to obey the Laws of God that were given to Israel through Moses. The man responds to Jesus by telling him that he had been living under the Law of Moses since his youth.

It’s at this point that something happens. Something big and something revealing. Jesus is going to reveal his love for the man by telling him the truth about himself. The truth and the answer to The Big Question of that moment, “What must I do to inherit eternal life”.

Mark 10:21 (NLT)
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Jesus’ love saw the truth of this man’s heart. The truth was standing next to the Big Question. There was something standing between the man and God. It was money. Money had become this man’s God, and he didn’t even know it. He was searching for the answer to The Big Question about eternal life, but money was getting in the way of the answer. The love of Jesus reveals the answer to The Big Question, but maybe that answer is too big for him.

Mark 10:22 (NLT)
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away very sad, for he had many possessions.

Let’s ask a few questions regarding this encounter with Jesus.

1. Did Jesus call this man to follow Him into eternal life…yes!
2. Did the man hear the call of Jesus to follow Him into eternal life…yes!
3. Does this man have the free will to accept the call of Jesus or reject the call of Jesus in that moment…yes!
4. Did Jesus speak the truth about salvation and eternal life to this man…yes!
5. Did the man use his free will to reject the call of God to follow Jesus into eternal life…yes!
6. Will that man bear the responsibility for his choice regarding the call of Jesus to follow him…yes!

Maybe the real issue with The Big Question isn’t knowing the answer. Maybe the real issue regarding The Big Question is believing and following the answer after it has been revealed.

Matthew 22:14 (NLT)
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Maranatha, Hosanna, Hallelujah and Amen,
Terry Cooper
Lead Minister
502-859-5804