What Jesus Did! 'I've Done It All!' — Mark 10:19-20

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

[Jesus continued,] "But to answer your question [about eternal life], you know the commandments: 'You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.'"

"Teacher," the man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young."

— Mark 10:19-20 NLT

Key Thought

Here's a guy who was pretty sure that he had mastered it all ... and claims that he had begun this perfectly obedient life as a child! Oops! This was where his spiritual "heart problems" began to show through his veneer of legalistic righteousness. Instead of keeping the law to honor God, this fellow was using his law-keeping as leverage to exalt his status before God. His approach missed the point. The pride of law-keeping became the false god that shattered the whole point of true devotion to God.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, you are holy and majestic. I know that my attempts to be holy are sometimes going to be met with failure. I commit to work at being a holy person, but I know that my own efforts, even on my best days, are going to fall short. I thank you for giving me a righteousness beyond my abilities, works, and efforts. Thank you for Jesus, whose sacrifice for me makes me righteous and thank you for the Holy Spirit whose power works on transforming me into your character and holiness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 5:22-23
  • 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
  • Colossians 1:18-23

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 10:19-20 NLT — "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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