To Inherit Eternal Life – What Shall I Do?

Inherit Eternal Life

In today’s text, we talk about Mark 10:17-27. Now, the key question lies in what the rich young ruler asked Jesus: ‘ Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ In order to understand this question, it is important for us to begin by asking: ‘ Where this question comes from?’

This question came from the rich young ruler. He asked a question that he probably could relate to. Being the rich young ruler, he must have inherited his wealth from his father. The word inherit means to receive (money, property, or a title) as an heir at the death of the previous holder.

‘What shall I do to receive eternal life?’ According to gotquestions.org, eternal life simply means a gift of God that comes only “through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Then, Jesus told him how.

You Know The Commandments

‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” The rich young ruler replied: “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.”

Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

However, at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

Did The Rich Young Ruler Receive Eternal Life?

Sadly, the answer was no. The rich young ruler’s approach to eternal life was wrong. When he asked what he must do to inherit eternal life, he wanted to own more stuff. In other words, what was that one more thing I could have?

The truth is, Jesus knew his heart. After all, He said to receive eternal life, he had to ‘give away’. In the same way, He basically said to the rich young ruler: ‘Not to own more, but to give away’. The rich young ruler went away feeling grieved and saddened.

What Have I missed?

Meanwhile, ask yourself this question: ‘ Am I another ‘rich young ruler’? Unlike the rich young ruler this time, will you ask yourself today: ‘What have I missed?’ After that, ask Jesus to show you your true heart and seek His Kingdom instead.

Then Jesus gave an illustration about how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. In Mark 10:25, He said: ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’

Thankfully, in verse 27, Jesus also said: ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’

In conclusion, the message of today’s text is to seek first the Kingdom of God. Therefore when you do, know for sure that all your needs after that, God will meet them faithfully.