What Would Jesus Ask You To Give Up

Carl Pollard

If Jesus looked you in the eyes today and said, “Sell everything you own,” what would you do?

Most of us immediately start explaining why He couldn’t possibly mean that. We tell ourselves He was speaking to one man in a unique situation. While that’s true, it still leaves an important question, why did Jesus say it?

The rich young ruler came running to Jesus with one of the greatest questions anyone has ever asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). He was young, successful, influential, moral, and sincere. Yet something was missing.

After hearing the man’s confidence in his own obedience, Mark records this, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him” (Mark 10:21). Everything Jesus said next came from love. Love doesn’t ignore the biggest problem in someone’s life. Love exposes it.

Jesus told the man, “Go, sell all that you have…and come, follow Me.” Was Jesus teaching that every Christian must live in poverty? No. Scripture records many faithful servants of God who were wealthy. The issue wasn’t the man’s possessions. The issue was that his possessions possessed him.

Money had become his security, his identity, and his confidence. When Jesus asked for complete submission, the man walked away grieving because he loved his wealth more than the One standing in front of him.

Jesus has a way of putting His finger on whatever sits on the throne of our hearts. For one person it may be money. For another it could be a relationship, a career, comfort, popularity, or control. Whatever we’re unwilling to surrender has become our idol.

The rich young ruler walked away with everything he owned, but without Jesus.

The disciples left everything to follow Christ, yet they gained far more than they could ever lose. They found forgiveness, purpose, hope, and an eternal family.

Jesus doesn’t want to know how much money you have. He wants to know who is ruling your life. 

Jesus still calls people to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34). The cost of discipleship is real, but nothing we surrender compares to what we gain in Christ.

The question is simple, if Jesus said, “One thing you lack…” what would He name?