Welcome to "A Word from the Vine." I’m Pastor Loren Christensen of the Danish Countryside Chapel in Exira, Iowa, and today we’re diving into a powerful encounter between Jesus and a rich young man. Let’s wake up and face the truth about where our treasure lies. This story is not just about a man from two thousand years ago; it’s about you and me, right here, right now.
Our message today comes from Mark 10:17 - “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?'”
Imagine the scene: Jesus is on His journey, surrounded by His disciples and a crowd of followers. Suddenly, a man comes running up to Him, falls to his knees, and asks, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" This young man is sincere and eager. He’s not just strolling up casually; he’s running. He’s desperate for an answer. But here’s the thing—he’s misguided. He thinks eternal life is something he can earn by doing the right things. He’s looking for a checklist, a set of rules to follow. But Jesus isn’t about checklists; He’s about transformation. He’s about changing hearts, not just behaviors.
How many of us are running to Jesus with the wrong question? Are we asking what we can do, instead of what we must surrender? You come to church, you pray, you read your Bible, but are you really surrendering your heart? Or are you just ticking off boxes, hoping that’s enough? It’s not about what you can do; it’s about what you’re willing to give up. It’s about surrendering your whole life to Jesus, not just parts of it.
Think about it. We live in a society that values self-reliance and independence. We’re taught to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, to work hard and earn our way. But the kingdom of God operates on a different principle. It’s not about what we can do; it’s about what Jesus has already done for us. It’s about recognizing our need for Him and surrendering our lives to His lordship.
Imagine a person who spends their whole life accumulating wealth, thinking that it will bring them security and happiness. They work long hours, sacrifice time with their family, and neglect their health, all in the pursuit of more. But at the end of their life, they realize that all their wealth can’t buy them peace, joy, or eternal life. They’ve missed the point entirely. Jesus is calling us to a different way of living, one that’s focused on eternal treasures rather than earthly ones.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on our own lives. Are we like the rich young man, running to Jesus with the wrong question? Are we more focused on what we can do, rather than what we need to surrender? Jesus is calling us to a deeper level of commitment, one that goes beyond mere actions and touches the very core of our being. He’s calling us to surrender everything to Him, to trust Him with our whole heart, and to find our treasure in Him alone.
Join me next time as we continue this journey and explore the commandments and self-righteousness. Until then, reflect on what you need to surrender to Jesus. Ask yourself, "Where is my treasure?" Is it in the things of this world, or is it in Jesus? God bless.