Tough Love

Tough love is telling and showing what we need

“Then Jesus looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack” (Mark 10:21)

If you could ask Jesus one question, what would it be? Jesus was asked many questions His disciples asked about praying (Luke 11:1) Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by a question with the woman caught in adultery (John 8) A young, rich ruler asked about “eternal life”

The account is in the Synoptic gospels In Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s account, we learn he was rich by having a “great possessions” (19:22) In Matthew, we learn that he was “young” (19:20) In Luke’s account, he was a “ruler” (Luke 18:18) In Mark’s account, we learned that Jesus loved him enough to tell him what he needed to hear

“What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16-17) He still felt the need for something more What more do I need to do? We can easily say this man was a good man by the world’s standards Does his question show a need for a Savior?

The Lord questioned the young man’s use of “good” “Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God” (19:17) If “good” is based on what we do, what need do we have of Christ Goodness is not with us but of God Our goodness is not good enough! Did the young man only consider Jesus as a “teacher”?

“Which ones?” (19:18–19) Was he wondering if some commandments were more important than others? Every command is essential Jesus mentioned five of the Ten Commandments “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” (19:17)

“What do I still lack?” (19:20-22) Jesus informed him of the need to be perfect (spiritual maturity) Jesus used the same word “perfect” in the sermon on mount (Matthew 5:48) A complete dedication to the Lord Jesus knowing the man’s heart told him what he lacked After hearing what he lacked, he went away sorrowful

The need for tough love