October 21-25

"And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’” - Mark 10:17-18 (ESV)

What’s Keeping You from Following Jesus? – Scene One
In 1912, John D. Rockefeller, one of the richest men in history, was asked how much money is enough. He replied, “Just a little bit more.” Like Rockefeller, the rich man in this passage felt that pull of “just a little more,” but Jesus asks us to let go of what’s holding us back.
The rich young man in Mark 10 came with the right question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" He was searching for something bigger than himself. Let’s give him some credit—he ran to the right Person, and he knelt in reverence before Jesus, which shows he had the right heart. Imagine today, running to Jesus like you’re chasing the ice cream truck on a hot day—he was eager!

But this man left the conversation with the wrong conclusion. When Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow Him, he couldn’t do it. His wealth, comfort, and security were too hard to let go. He came for the right reason—eternal life—but missed the truth that following Jesus meant surrendering everything. It’s like that time you promised yourself you’d eat
healthy, but then found yourself at the dessert bar—old habits die hard.

Reflection Questions:
1. What things in your life might be keeping you from fully following Jesus?

2. How can you practice surrender in your daily walk with God?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, help me to run to You like this man did—with eagerness and reverence. But also help me to let go of the things that keep me from following You fully. Teach me to trust You with everything. Amen.

You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ And he said to him,
‘Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.’" - Mark 10:19-20 (ESV)

The Right Person, The Right Way, The Right Reason
The young man had been doing all the “right” things. He kept the commandments, lived an upright life, and was respectful. But being “good” wasn’t enough. Jesus challenges him to see that following God isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about the heart. It’s kind of like washing dishes—you can make the outside of the cup sparkle, but if the inside is dirty, it’s still unusable.

Jesus highlights that following Him requires more than moral living; it requires total surrender. This man had done well on the outside, but there was something deeper Jesus wanted—a willingness to give up everything to follow Him.

In 2019, a British billionaire gave away his entire fortune, stating that he wanted to spend the rest of his life “living without fear.” He realized that holding onto wealth was creating anxiety rather than freedom. Likewise, Jesus asks us to release the things we cling to for security, trusting Him instead.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what areas of your life are you more focused on “doing” rather than “being” with Jesus?

2. What would it look like for you to surrender fully to God today?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, I confess that I often try to follow You by checking off tasks. Help me see that following You is about my heart and my relationship with You. Show me how to let go and surrender more deeply. Amen.

"And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." - Mark 10:21-22 (ESV)

He Came to the Wrong Conclusion
In 2016, when Pokémon GO first launched, people literally walked off cliffs and into traffic because they were so focused on the game. It’s a funny (and slightly concerning) example of how distractions can keep us from paying attention to what really matters—kind of like how the rich man’s focus on his wealth kept him from following Jesus.

Here’s where things take a turn. Jesus offers the man a life-changing opportunity—sell your possessions, give to the poor, and follow Me. But the man walks away sorrowful. He couldn’t part with his wealth. Jesus wasn’t telling him that money is evil, but He was revealing where the man’s heart truly was. His possessions owned him.

Jesus calls us to lay aside anything that competes with our love for Him. It’s not always money. For some of us, it’s our comfort, our plans, or even our pride. Imagine a lifeguard trying to save someone who refuses to let go of their beach ball—they can’t grab onto the lifeguard and be saved unless they let go!

Reflection Questions:
1. What "possessions" in your life might you need to release to fully follow Jesus?

2. How can you shift your focus from temporary things to eternal treasures?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, show me the areas of my life that are holding me back from You. Help me to release whatever is taking first place in my heart so I can fully follow You. Amen.

"With man it is impossible, but not with God.  For all things are possible with God." -
Mark 10:23-27 (ESV)

Impossible vs. Possible
In 1969, NASA sent humans to the moon—something once thought impossible. But with the right power and resources, what seemed unattainable became reality. In the same way, God provides the "power and resources" we need for salvation. It’s not up to us; it’s up to Him.

After the rich man leaves, Jesus tells His disciples that it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. This wasn’t an exaggeration—it was a truth bomb. Wealth can make us self-reliant, and self-reliance is a huge barrier to entering God’s kingdom. The disciples, shocked, ask, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus’ answer is reassuring: "With man it is impossible, but not with God."

This reminds us that salvation isn’t something we can earn or accomplish on our own. It’s a gift that only God can give. It’s like trying to dunk a basketball on a 20-foot hoop—it’s impossible on our own, but with God, we’re given what we need to succeed.

Reflection Questions:
1. Are there areas in your life where you’re relying on your own strength instead of God’s?

2. How does knowing that “all things are possible with God” change your perspective on following Him?

Suggested Prayer:
God, thank You that what’s impossible for me is possible for You. Help me rely on Your strength and not my own, especially in areas where I feel weak. Amen.

"But many who are first will be last, and the last first." - Mark 10:31 (ESV)

The First Will Be Last, and the Last First
Jesus ends this conversation with a mind-bending statement: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.” It’s a reminder that God’s kingdom doesn’t operate on the same principles as the world. In our culture, success, wealth, and status are often seen as the ultimate goals. But in God’s kingdom, humility, service, and sacrifice take first place.

This is great news! It means that even if you feel like you’re not winning by the world’s standards, you can be first in God’s eyes. It’s a total reversal of how we often think. Jesus Himself lived this out—He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

In the Olympics, we celebrate the gold medalists, but often it’s the underdogs who inspire us the most. The runner who finishes last but shows up with heart and determination often leaves a greater impact than the one who takes first. Jesus’ kingdom celebrates those who live with humility and faith, regardless of their “ranking” in the world.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does Jesus’ statement challenge the way you view success?

2. What would it look like for you to serve others, even if it means being “last”?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, help me to embrace Your kingdom values, where the first are last and the last are first. Teach me to serve others with humility and joy, trusting that You see and honor every act of love. Amen.