Come Be My Follower - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site

“BEMYFOLLOWER”—WHATDIDJESUSMEAN? 7
“one thing”? Jesus said: “Go, sell what things you have
and give to the poor.” (Mark 10:21) Did Jesus mean that
a person must be penniless in order to serve God? No.
Christ was revealing something of great importance.
6 To lay bare what was missing, Jesus offered the man
a wonderful opportunity: “Come be my follower.” Just
imagine—the Son of the Most High God invited that
man, face-to-face, to follow him! Jesus also promised
him a reward beyond imagination. He said: “You will
have treasure in heaven.” Did the wealthy young ruler
seize this opportunity, this glorious invitation? The account
reads: “He grew sad at the saying and went off
grieved, for he was holding many possessions.” (Mark 10:
21, 22) So Jesus’ unexpected words revealed a problem
in the heart of this man. He was too deeply attached to
his possessions and, no doubt, to the power and prestige
that came with them. Sadly, his love for such things far
outweighed any love he had for Christ. The “one thing”
missing, then, was wholehearted, self-sacrificing love for
Jesus and Jehovah. Because the young man lacked such
love, he turned down the invitation of a lifetime! How,
though, are you involved?
7 Jesus’ invitation was not limited to that man; nor was
it restricted to just a few people. Jesus said: “If anyone
Jesus did not ask everyone who followed him to give up all possessions.
And although he did comment on how difficult it is for a
rich person to enter the Kingdom of God, he added: “All things are
possible with God.” (Mark 10:23, 27) In fact, a few wealthy people
did become Christ’s followers. They received specific counsel in the
Christian congregation, but they were not asked to donate all their
wealth to the poor.—1 Timothy 6:17.
6. What invitation did Jesus offer, and what did the wealthy young
ruler’s response reveal about his heart?
7. Why may we be sure that Jesus’ invitation includes us today?