The Cost of Discipleship

“Being last in the Kingdom doesn’t mean missing out—it means living with a purpose that goes beyond ourselves. The true treasure is not in what we gain here on earth, but in the lives we impact for eternity.”

Our focus today is on Mark 10:17-31, where we encounter the story of a rich young man seeking eternal life. When Jesus asks him to give up his wealth and follow Him, the man walks away saddened, unable to part with his possessions. This passage is not just about money; it challenges us to consider what holds us back from fully following Jesus. It prompts us to examine the things in our lives—whether it’s career, relationships, or success—that prevent us from living in the freedom Christ offers and trusting Him completely.

The young man’s wealth represented more than material possessions; it was his identity and security. Jesus wasn’t asking him to give up his possessions for the sake of poverty but to be free from what was holding him back. The story speaks to each of us, asking what we might be clinging to that competes with our devotion to Christ. True discipleship requires total surrender, and Jesus reminds us that while it may seem impossible to let go, with God, all things are possible. Salvation, after all, depends on God’s grace, not on our own efforts.

Jesus also reassures His disciples that anyone who sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel will be richly rewarded, both now and in eternity. However, He makes it clear that following Him involves challenges, suffering, and humility. The call to discipleship means turning away from worldly values and living with service and sacrifice at the forefront. Jesus’ promise that "the last will be first" reminds us to live with purpose, prioritizing the Gospel and the salvation of others above our own comforts, knowing that the eternal rewards far outweigh any sacrifices we make.