Scripture: Mark 10:17–22
Key Verse: “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” – Mark 10:21
Some yeses are missed—not because the invitation wasn’t clear, but because the cost felt too high.
The story of the rich young ruler is one of the most heartbreaking encounters in the Gospels. A man eager to inherit eternal life runs to Jesus, kneels before Him, and asks all the right questions. But when Jesus invites him to follow, the young man walks away… sorrowful. Why? Because his hands were too full to receive what Jesus was offering.
The Tragedy of the Almost Yes
This young man wasn’t rebellious. He wasn’t indifferent. He was moral, sincere, and spiritually curious. But when Jesus lovingly exposed the one thing he lacked—surrender—he couldn’t let go.
It wasn’t about money alone. It was about trust. Jesus wasn’t trying to make the man poor; He was inviting him to something far richer: treasure in heaven and a life with Christ. But attachments to wealth, status, and control clouded the ruler’s vision. He missed the “yes” that could’ve changed everything.
Jesus Still Looks and Loves
What’s beautiful in this passage is the gaze of Jesus. “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Before the man walked away, before he chose his possessions over discipleship—Jesus loved him. That love wasn’t based on performance. It was an invitation to freedom, relationship, and eternal purpose.
Jesus still looks at us with that same love. He sees what we cling to and gently says, “Let go. Follow Me.”
Application
Examining Priorities
Where does Jesus truly rank in your life? What gets your best time, energy, and devotion? This week, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything you’ve placed above Him—no matter how good or important it seems.
Letting Go of Attachments
Letting go is rarely easy. But nothing we give up for Jesus will ever be wasted. Pray for the courage to release anything—possessions, positions, plans—that keeps you from a full “yes” to Him.
Reflect and Discuss
What are some common obstacles that prevent people from saying yes to Jesus?
Consider comfort, fear, approval of others, wealth, or personal dreams.
How can we ensure that Jesus remains the top priority in our lives?
Think about spiritual disciplines, intentional surrender, and trusted community.
Share a time when you had to let go of something to prioritize your relationship with Jesus.
What did it cost? What did you gain?
Closing Thought
The rich young ruler walked away sorrowful, not because Jesus asked too much—but because he loved something else more.
Let this story be a reminder that every true yes to Jesus requires a letting go. And though the cost may feel great, the reward is far greater. Don’t miss the yes. Don’t miss Jesus.
Let’s live open-handed, ready to follow wherever He leads.