8.3 The Best Investment
The True Cost of Discipleship: Wealth vs. Devotion

Read Mark 10:17–31. What important lessons about faith and the price of discipleship are revealed here for everyone, regardless of wealth or poverty?

In Mark 10:17–31, we encounter a profound teaching about faith, discipleship, and the cost we must be willing to pay to inherit the Kingdom of God. The rich young man approaches Jesus with reverence and sincerity, seeking the way to eternal life. Yet, when Jesus asks him to sell his possessions, it becomes clear that his heart is bound to worldly wealth—his riches have become an idol that prevents him from fully following God’s will.

This passage reveals a central truth: it’s not only about externally keeping the commandments but also about being willing to give up anything that separates us from God. Wealth and material goods are not inherently bad, but they can become stumbling blocks if we give them more importance than our relationship with God.

Jesus takes the opportunity to clarify that the path to the Kingdom of God is not attained through human effort or wealth but through God’s grace. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27). This statement underscores the fact that salvation and eternal life are possible only through God’s grace and power, not through our own works or possessions.

Peter’s remark that he and the other disciples have left everything to follow Jesus leads to Jesus’ promise that those who give up everything for Him will receive immeasurable rewards—both in this life and in the life to come. This teaches us that while following Jesus requires sacrifice, the rewards and fellowship with God are infinitely more valuable than anything we might give up.

The lesson revealed here is clear: our true security and worth do not lie in worldly wealth or status but in our willingness to give up everything for Christ and follow Him. In this devotion, we find true fulfillment and the assurance of eternal life.

Read Romans 6:1–11. How do these verses reveal the reality of God’s grace in our lives, making us both justified and new creatures in Him?

Romans 6:1–11 is a powerful passage that describes the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. These verses explain how we are justified by God’s grace and begin a new life in Christ.

1. Justified by Grace:

   • The initial verses raise the question of whether we should continue in sin so that grace may increase. Paul decisively answers, “By no means!” (Romans 6:2). He clarifies that God’s grace not only frees us from the penalty of sin but also liberates us from its power. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have died with Him, meaning our old sinful nature was crucified with Him. This act of justification means that God declares us righteous through Christ’s sacrifice, independent of our own works.

2. A New Life in Christ:

   • The passage continues by describing that we have not only died with Christ but also been raised to a new life with Him. “We too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). This new life means we are no longer under the dominion of sin. Our identity has fundamentally changed: we are new creations in Christ. The old self has died, and we now live for God in the power of Christ’s resurrection.

3. Empowered to Live in Obedience:

   • These verses also make it clear that God’s grace is not a one-time act but a continuous power that enables us to live in obedience and holiness. Since we have died with Christ, we should no longer let sin reign over us. Instead, we should consider ourselves alive to God and offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness.

4. The Reality of Resurrection in Our Lives:

   • Paul emphasizes the reality of the resurrection in our lives. Just as Christ was raised from the dead to die no more, we have the promise of eternal life. This new reality means that death no longer has power over us, just as sin no longer has power over us. We now live in the freedom and power given to us through Christ’s resurrection.

Conclusion: Romans 6:1–11 reveals the deep truth that God’s grace not only frees us from the guilt of sin but also transforms us into new creatures in Christ. This grace transforms our entire lives by justifying us and enabling us to live in new freedom and holiness. In Christ, we are truly made new, and this new identity is key to a life that honors God and breaks the power of sin.

The connection between the lesson on “The Best Investment” and our daily lives and faith is very practical and relevant. Here are some key aspects:

1. Setting Priorities in Life:

   • The story of the rich young man in Mark 10 challenges us to reassess our priorities. In daily life, this means reflecting on what truly matters to us: Is it material possessions and social status, or is it our relationship with God? This lesson encourages us to not place worldly things above our spiritual life and to recognize that true fulfillment and security are found only in devotion to Christ.

2. The Importance of Devotion:

   • Following Jesus requires sacrifice and devotion. In everyday life, this is reflected in our willingness to let go of things that may separate us from God—whether they be possessions, certain habits, or even relationships. This devotion also means holding onto our faith in difficult times and trusting that God provides for us now and in eternity.

3. Trusting in God’s Grace:

   • The verses from Romans 6 emphasize that our salvation and new life in Christ are possible only through God’s grace. In daily life, this means we do not rely on our own efforts to earn God’s love or salvation. Instead, we trust in the grace given through Jesus’ death and resurrection. This trust leads to a life free from guilt and fear, knowing we are justified in God’s eyes.

4. Living in New Identity:

   • Romans 6 reminds us that we have been made new in Christ. This new identity should be reflected in our daily lives—in how we make decisions, interact with others, and live our lives. We are called to live in the freedom and power given to us through Christ’s resurrection, and this should be visible in our actions.

5. Maintaining an Eternal Perspective:

   • Jesus’ promise that those who follow Him will be rewarded both in this life and in the life to come encourages us to maintain an eternal perspective. In everyday life, this means viewing our decisions and actions in light of eternity and understanding that what we do for Christ has lasting value.

Overall, this lesson calls us to live our faith practically by setting our priorities right, trusting in God’s grace, and embracing our new identity in Christ. The “best investment” we can make is to wholly dedicate our lives to Christ and live in His grace, which brings us true fulfillment and the assurance of eternal life.

The best investment you can make today is to give your heart and life completely to God—because what you give up for Christ brings immeasurable reward, now and in eternity.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-teaching-disciples-part-2-8-3-the-best-investment-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

August 20, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 21

¹ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

² Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

³ And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

⁴ All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

⁵ Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

⁶ And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

⁷ And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.

⁸ And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

⁹ And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

¹⁰ And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

¹¹ And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

¹² And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

¹³ And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

¹⁴ And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

¹⁵ And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,

¹⁶ And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

¹⁷ And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

¹⁸ Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

¹⁹ And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

²⁰ And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

²¹ Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

²² And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

²³ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

²⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

²⁵ The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

²⁶ But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

²⁷ And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

²⁸ But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

²⁹ He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

³⁰ And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

³¹ Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

³² For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

³³ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

³⁴ And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

³⁵ And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

³⁶ Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

³⁷ But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

³⁸ But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

³⁹ And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

⁴⁰ When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

⁴¹ They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

⁴² Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

⁴³ Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

⁴⁴ And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

⁴⁵ And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

⁴⁶ But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Matthew Chapter 21 marks a significant turning point in the life of Jesus and in the narrative of the Gospel. It begins with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a moment that symbolizes His messianic role and stirs the people’s hopes for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The chapter also describes the cleansing of the temple, an act that highlights Jesus’ authority and His understanding of true piety. Finally, the chapter concludes with parables that sharply criticize the religious leaders and underscore Jesus’ message about the kingdom of God. This chapter is not only a report of historical events but also contains profound theological statements revealing the nature of Jesus and His mission.

Commentary:

Matthew 21 emphasizes Jesus’ role as the promised Messiah, who comes in peace but also exposes injustice and denounces religious hypocrisy. His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a clear reference to the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which foretold a humble king. This act demonstrates that Jesus is a king of peace and humility, contrasting with the military leaders that the people might have expected.

The cleansing of the temple is a powerful expression of Jesus’ zeal for the sanctity of God’s house. By driving out the merchants and money changers, Jesus makes a statement against the commercialization of religion, emphasizing that the temple should be a place of prayer, not profit. This act represents a direct challenge to the authority of the religious leaders and marks the beginning of the open confrontation that will eventually lead to His arrest and crucifixion.

The Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants illustrate the rejection of God’s message by the religious elite, while those despised by society are more willing to accept it. Jesus shows that the kingdom of God does not belong to those who merely appear righteous outwardly but to those who are willing to truly repent and serve God from the heart. The religious leaders recognize that Jesus is speaking directly against them in these parables, further fueling their hostility towards Him.

Summary:

Matthew Chapter 21 is filled with symbolic actions and powerful teachings. It begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, highlighting His role as the humble Messiah. The cleansing of the temple and the subsequent parables reveal Jesus’ critique of the religious leaders’ hypocrisy and His emphasis on true piety and justice. These events pave the way for Jesus’ impending passion and illustrate His unequivocal message about the kingdom of God, which belongs to those willing to translate their faith into acts of repentance and obedience.

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 56—Blessing the Children

This chapter is based on Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17.

Read online here

 

Commentary

The chapter “Blessing the Children” highlights one of the most touching scenes in Jesus’ life, where He demonstrates His special love and affection for the smallest among us. This event is not only an expression of Jesus’ affection for children but also a powerful symbol of the appreciation and place they hold in the kingdom of God.

In the context of the Jewish society of that time, where children were often viewed as the property of their parents rather than as independent individuals with spiritual significance, Jesus’ actions were revolutionary. The disciples, who attempted to dismiss the mothers with their children, likely believed that Jesus’ mission was too important to be interrupted by such seemingly trivial concerns. However, Jesus made it clear that these “trivial” matters are of utmost importance in the kingdom of God. His words, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16), reflect a profound truth: Children embody the kind of innocence, openness, and trust that adults should also strive for in their faith.

The incident also underscores the far-reaching significance of Jesus’ blessing. The mothers who brought their children to Him did so in hope of divine grace and protection for their little ones. Jesus did not disappoint these expectations. Instead, He blessed the children not only physically but spiritually, providing the mothers with great comfort and hope. This blessing was not just a simple gesture but a profound affirmation that their children are valuable in God’s eyes and that their efforts to raise them in faith are supported and blessed by God Himself.

The commentary also highlights the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the Christian faith. This responsibility is portrayed not merely as a parental duty but as a sacred calling, where parents act as instruments of God. By leading their children to Christ, they help lay the foundation for a life of faith and grace. Parents are to open their children’s hearts to the truths of the Gospel and teach them in ways that are understandable to them. The image of parents as “gardeners,” nurturing the young plants of their children with love and care, is a powerful metaphor that describes the fragility and potential of the child’s soul.

Jesus’ interaction with the children also shows us how we should approach children today. It is a reminder that children should not only be seen as future members of the church but as current, valuable members of God’s community. Their spiritual education begins not only when they reach adulthood but from their earliest years. Therefore, it is the responsibility of parents, teachers, and the entire Christian community to shape these young hearts, encourage them, and guide them to Christ.

Furthermore, it is comforting to see that Jesus’ care and love for children extend beyond that time. The commentary makes it clear that even today, Jesus knows the concerns and struggles of mothers and supports them in their task of raising their children in faith. His love and understanding for the trials and challenges of parenthood are a comforting thought for all who seek support and encouragement in raising their children.

Overall, this chapter provides a profound reflection on the significance of blessing children in the Christian faith and the central role that children play in the kingdom of God. It is a call to all who bear responsibility for children to raise them with love and with an eye towards their spiritual development, and it serves as a reminder that Jesus still holds the same love and affection for the smallest among us today as He did then.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 57—“One Thing Thou Lackest”

This chapter is based on Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23.

Read online here

 

Commentary

This chapter describes the deeply moving encounter between Jesus and a young man known in the Gospels as the rich young ruler. It is a story that speaks not only to the heart but also to the mind, as it addresses central issues of discipleship, obedience, and devotion to God. The encounter reveals the difficulty Jesus presents to the young man: the call to total self-denial and dedication to God in exchange for eternal life.

The rich young ruler symbolizes many people who earnestly seek spiritual fulfillment and the kingdom of God but are held back by the worldly things they hold dear. His desire to gain eternal life is genuine and profound, as evidenced by his urgent approach to Jesus, kneeling before Him, and asking his pressing question. However, when Jesus reveals the true cost of eternal life, the inner struggle of the young man becomes apparent.

Jesus asks him to sell his wealth and give the money to the poor to gain treasure in heaven. This request is not a general rule Jesus sets for all believers but a specific test for this young man. Jesus recognizes that his heart is attached to his possessions and shows him that true discipleship requires letting go of all worldly securities and attachments. It is not merely about relinquishing material wealth but about the willingness to give up anything that keeps the heart from serving God.

The tragedy of this story lies in the young man’s reaction. He is sad because he is not willing to pay the high price Jesus demands. His wealth is too precious to him, and thus he chooses not to follow Jesus. This decision reveals a profound truth: even the best intentions and the most sincere desire for God can be overwhelmed by love for the things of this world.

Jesus’ call to give up everything and follow Him is an invitation to find true freedom in total devotion to God. It is a call that still reaches out today to anyone who seeks eternal life. The story of the rich young ruler shows that the path to God involves the cross of self-denial, and that true fulfillment and eternal life can only be attained if one is willing to leave all earthly things behind.

This incident serves as a reminder that worldly wealth and earthly securities cannot compare with the treasure of heaven. It is a call to reflect on the things that may be hindering us from true discipleship. Whatever our “one thing that we lack” may be, it stands between us and complete communion with God. The rich young ruler had a choice, and that choice also lies before us: Will we be willing to give up everything for Christ, or will we, like him, leave sadly because the worldly things are too important to us?

Jesus’ behavior in this story is also a lesson for all who are engaged in pastoral care. He meets the young man with love and compassion, even though he conveys a harsh truth. His love is not sentimental but demands the truth and the best for the person, even if it means that the path is painful. This approach should also guide those who accompany others on their journey to God.

Ultimately, the story of the rich young ruler shows that following Jesus requires radical decisions. It is a call to total dedication, the renunciation of all idols, and the acceptance of the cross. However, the reward Jesus promises is incomparable: eternal life and the treasure in heaven that far surpasses any earthly joy and security.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/20-08-2024-matthew-chapter-21-believe-his-prophets/