Are You Willing?

When you think of all the religious leaders in Jesus’ time not many were willing to believe what He said. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and this one (unnamed), must’ve been believers. Jesus actually told this religious leader that he wasn’t far from the kingdom of God. This just goes to show us that it’s not our status that saves us, it’s our willingness to accept Jesus’ work on the cross that saves us. It’s a heart that is willing to accept truth, regardless if we agree with it or not, that allows our pride to take a backseat and embrace His grace. This religious leader was willing to set aside his background, his ‘religiosity’, humbling himself, in order to admit what Jesus said was true. It was his willingness to allow truth to do what truth does, convict or condemn, that allowed him to understand and see Jesus for Who He really is. Do you have a heart like this? One that is willing to accept Jesus, regardless of what He asks of you? If not, why not? If you want one, simply ask God, and He will replace your stoney heart with one made of flesh (willingness). The question is, are you willing?

28 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”32 The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love Him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask Him any more questions. Mark 12:28-34