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take up the cross

Mark 10:21
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."

This young man came to Jesus to ask Him one question. It looks like this young man treats the Ten Commandments like a checklist. His eyes have not been opened to the more challenging level of there being issues with our hearts and minds. In this public setting where Jesus is teaching, the young man is pointing out to all listening that he is a good man. He is worried about how he looks in the eyes of other people.

In today's verse we read that Jesus looked at him and loved him, before responding. It is awesome to learn that we can come to Jesus ignorant and naive, and He will still love us! AND! He invites us all to "...come, take up the cross, and follow Me."

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