One Thing

Women are excellent multi taskers. Men tend to focus in on one thing at a time.

Mark 10:17-22
Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”[a]

20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Notice that the Rich Young Ruler came running to interact with Jesus. Religion to the Rich Young Ruler was all about doing God’s Law and treated it like a checklist. Rich Young Ruler was an expert in Religion based Law but was ignorant about Love and how to apply God’s Law with Grace shown to others.

Jesus instructed the Rich Young Ruler to give away your things and then said: “Come and Follow Me.”

Rich Young Ruler had followed the Law legally but not morally. Jesus knew possessions blocked Rich Young Ruler’s relationships with other people.

Jesus doesn’t condemn the wealthy but points out how we use our wealth. Do we use our wealth to help others? Jesus left everything, even His place in Heaven, to reach people.

When we give to others, God blesses us in several ways. An example is Abraham. He was very wealthy with many animals. Jesus asked Abraham for his son – that is where Abraham’s heart was as he did not have a son until late in life.

God expects to be the top priority in our life, and then family should be the next priority. Abraham passed the test.

Can God tell me that I am lacking something? We need to surrender our own soul and lives to Jesus so He can fully use us.

Luke 10:38-42
Mary and Martha Worship and Serve

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Martha is preparing lunch for many people. Mary is just sitting there relaxed as she listens to Jesus. Martha then put stress on Jesus: “You do not care?”

There are no barriers in this family. Jesus tells Martha that she is worried about putting on a good image but she is missing the fact that Jesus wants to be number 1 in Martha’s heart.

This message is so appropriate for all of us living in the 21st century. How do you spend your time? Invest some time each day at Jesus’ feet. Jesus will give you the strength you need for dealing with life.

Sermon notes from the message given by Pastor Velino Salazar on Sabbath, 05 April 2014 at the Santa Barbara Seventh-day Adventist Church.