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give to the poor

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."

A man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, "Follow the Ten Commandments." Yet the man trusted in his own righteousness, showing a shallow grasp of God's law. Jesus guides us all to deeper faith in today's verse.

Despite the man's self-interest, Jesus showed compassion, loving him for his moral earnestness and potential for growth. Jesus pinpointed a flaw: the man's wealth was an idol, overshadowing his devotion to God. He instructed the man to sell his possessions and give to the poor—a test of allegiance, revealing his greater love for riches.

The call to "take up the cross" signifies self-denial and sacrifice, echoing Jesus’ crucifixion. The promise of "treasure in heaven" highlights that true fulfillment lies in spiritual, not material, wealth.
This encounter shows eternal life is a gift, not earned through effort or law-keeping, but through surrender to Jesus.
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