.Mark 10:17–21 NIV “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ … 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.’”

Everyone thinks they’re a good person. We compare ourselves to others and feel justified because we don’t kill, steal, or lie much. But in Mark 10:17–21, Jesus exposes the tragic flaw in that thinking

The man was sincere. He wanted eternal life, and he wanted to know what to do to get it. But that’s where Jesus begins dismantling his entire worldview.

First, Jesus clarifies the meaning of good. “No one is good—except God alone.” True goodness isn’t about moral comparison; it’s about perfect alignment with the nature of God Himself. And only God meets that standard. Every other person, no matter how religious, generous, or disciplined, falls short.

Still, Jesus meets this man where he is. He lists the commandments that define basic righteousness: don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, honor your parents. The man confidently replies, “Teacher, all these I have kept since I was a boy.” He believes his moral record proves his goodness.

Then comes the heart surgery.

Jesus looks at him—not to condemn him, but to love him—and identifies the one thing standing between him and true discipleship: his attachment to wealth. His money provided security, comfort, and identity. It was his real god.

And Jesus’ command—“Go, sell everything you have”—wasn’t about financial loss but spiritual liberation. God demands first place in our hearts. Anything less is idolatry.

This moment exposes a truth every man must face: whatever we refuse to surrender reveals who truly sits on the throne of our lives. Whether it’s money, success, approval, comfort, or control, Jesus will confront it—because He loves us too much to let it keep us from Him.

The rich man walked away sad, choosing the temporary over the eternal. But Jesus’ invitation still stands for us today:

“Then come, follow me.”

Run Today’s Play: Ask yourself honestly—what is the one thing you lack? What do you cling to that competes with your love and obedience to Christ? Confess it. Surrender it. Lay it down.

You can’t follow Jesus while holding on to something He’s asking you to release.

Trade the fleeting comfort of this world for the eternal treasure of knowing and obeying Him. Don’t walk away sad—walk with Jesus, surrendered and free.