When Jesus’ Love Challenges You

In “When Jesus’ Love Challenges You,” see how the transforming power of Jesus’ love is revealed when He challenges our hearts, calling us to surrender everything and follow Him with complete devotion.

“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me’” (Mark 10:21).

A man ran up to Jesus. Kneeling before Him, he asked what he needed to do “to inherit eternal life” (v. 17). When Jesus identified five of the ten commandments, the man claimed, “All these I have kept from my youth” (v. 20).

Hearing this, Jesus felt a love for this man. But what’s interesting is how He expressed this love: Instead of applauding the man for his efforts, Jesus challenged him. Instead of talking about what he was doing right, Jesus spoke about the things he needed to change.

At this, the man was “disheartened” and “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (v. 22). Yes, he loved God, but he wasn’t willing to make a complete commitment. Jesus, in essence, had held a mirror up to the man’s life and asked him to look deeper. When confronted, it became clear that the man placed a higher priority on his riches than on serving God.

Jesus shows His love for us in the same way. We may think we’re spiritually mature and doing all we can. But because He loves us, Jesus may challenge us by zeroing in on our weaknesses and telling us how we need to change! He may call us to new levels of understanding, greater commitment, and a desire to seek Him more.

If you feel challenged by Jesus, don’t run away or give excuses. Be ready to leave all and follow Him!

Reflection Question: What is Jesus’ love compelling me to surrender today?