What steps can you take to follow Jesus more closely today? The Scene in Mark 10:21 “Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go, sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.’” (Mark 10:21) What We Learn at a Glance • Jesus looks—He sees everything about us. • Jesus loves—His commands flow from perfect love. • Jesus speaks—His words call for concrete, sacrificial action. • Jesus invites—“Come, follow Me” is the goal behind every command. Step 1: Welcome His Loving Gaze • Allow Scripture to search your heart (Hebrews 4:12). • Quiet the noise long enough to let the Lord expose hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Remember: His gaze is rooted in love, not condemnation (Romans 8:1). Step 2: Receive and Rest in His Love • “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). • Meditate on the cross daily; it anchors obedience in gratitude (Romans 5:8). • Refuse to perform for acceptance—obey because you are already loved (John 15:9). Step 3: Identify Your “One Thing” • Ask the Spirit to spotlight whatever competes with Christ (Galatians 5:17). • Common rivals: possessions, reputation, comfort, relationships, entertainment. • Be honest: the rich young ruler’s stumbling block was money; yours could be different but just as binding (James 4:4). Step 4: Loosen Your Grip on Earthly Stuff • “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19-20). • Practice regular, joyful giving; it pries open clenched fists (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Simplify where you can; every unneeded weight hinders the race (Hebrews 12:1). Step 5: Invest in Eternal Treasure • Use time, talents, and resources for gospel advance (Philippians 1:21). • Serve the poor and marginalized—Jesus equates this with serving Himself (Matthew 25:40). • Lay up “a firm foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Step 6: Follow in Daily, Practical Ways • Take up your cross “daily” (Luke 9:23), choosing His will over yours. • Obey promptly; delayed obedience slips into disobedience (John 14:15). • Stay close through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and communion (Acts 2:42). • Persist when the path is hard—He leads, He empowers, He rewards (Hebrews 12:2). Living the Verse Today • Let Jesus’ love fuel surrender. • Hold nothing back; He held nothing back for you. • Keep following—step by step, day by day—until you see Him face-to-face. |
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