💰 When Following Jesus Feels Too Expensive

The story of the rich young man – Mark 10:17–22

Have you ever gotten your hopes up… just to have them crash down like a wave? 🌊

Maybe you started something new with excitement—a job, a relationship, a plan for the future—only to realize things weren’t going to turn out the way you hoped. It’s like the wind gets knocked out of you. You feel deflated. 😞

That’s exactly what happens to a guy in Mark 10. He runs up to Jesus with energy and eagerness—but walks away with a heavy heart. 💔 Why? Let’s dig in.

🏃‍♂️ The Man Who Came Running

Jesus is walking down the road—probably heading toward Jerusalem and the cross. Along the way, this young man runs up to Him, falls at His feet, and asks a bold question:

“Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 17)

This isn’t a casual question. This guy’s serious. He wants to know how to be saved. He’s not trying to trick Jesus like the Pharisees often did. He’s genuinely curious.

But Jesus, as He often does, answers with a question of His own:

“Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, and that is God.” (v. 18)

That’s not Jesus denying His divinity—it’s Him nudging the man to think. 🧠 Are you calling me good because you believe I’m God… or are you just tossing out a compliment?

Before the man can answer, Jesus moves forward.

📜 A Spiritual Resume

Jesus starts listing the commandments:

• Don’t commit adultery
• Don’t kill
• Don’t steal
• Don’t lie
• Don’t cheat
• Honor your father and mother

And the young man replies (probably with a bit of pride):

“Master, I’ve done all that since I was a kid.”

Notice—he doesn’t say “Good Master” anymore. Just “Master.” 😬 Maybe Jesus’ earlier challenge rattled him a bit. Maybe he’s trying to play it cool.

Either way, he’s saying: “I’ve checked all the boxes. I’ve followed the rules. I’m a good person.”

💖 A Look That Changed Everything

Then comes one of the most beautiful moments in the Bible:

“Jesus looked at him… and loved him.” (v. 21)

Jesus saw right through him. He knew the man’s heart—his sincerity, his self-reliance, his coming decision to walk away. And still… He loved him.

That’s our Jesus. 💛

Then He says:

“One thing you’re missing: Go sell everything you have, give it to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven. Then come, take up your cross, and follow me.”

That wasn’t just about money. It was about trust. Jesus was inviting this man to let go of the thing he trusted most—his wealth—and trust Him instead.

😔 A Heart That Walked Away

And how does the man respond?

“He was sad… and went away grieved, for he had great possessions.” (v. 22)

He came in sprinting with hope.

He left dragging his feet with sorrow. 💭

Why? Because the cost felt too high.

He wanted eternal life, yes. But not that much. Not enough to surrender what he had built his identity around. Not enough to give up control. Not enough to trust Jesus fully.

🔍 So What About Us?

This story is personal. It speaks to the quiet corners of our hearts.

So many people come to Jesus hoping to add Him to their already decent life:

• They’re good folks.
• They go to church.
• They work hard.
• They feel like something’s missing.

They think Jesus is the missing piece of the puzzle. 🧩

But here’s the thing: Jesus isn’t a piece of the puzzle. He’s the whole picture.

Following Him isn’t about sprinkling a little spirituality on top of our plans. It’s about surrender. Full-on trust. 🛐

🎯 The Hard Question

Let’s be honest: Jesus still asks hard things of us.

• Trust Me more than your job. 💼
• Trust Me more than your bank account. 💵
• Trust Me more than your health. 🏥
• Even trust Me more than your family. 👨‍👩‍👦

And for a lot of people, that’s just too much.

They like Jesus… but only if He doesn’t shake up their world too much.

They want to follow… but not if it costs them something.

So they walk away. Not angry. Just sad. 😞

🚶‍♀️ Don’t Let That Be You

If you’ve been walking with Jesus long enough, you know there will be moments when He asks for more than you expected. Moments where you have to choose between comfort and Christ.

When that moment comes—choose Him. Every time.

The price may seem high. But what He offers in return is worth everything.

“Come, take up your cross, and follow Me.”

Want to talk more about this? I’d love to hear your thoughts or pray with you. 💬 Feel free to comment or reach out!

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