Jesus letting the big fish get away‏

Consider Mark 10, another time a
potential follower showed up. Here was a guy who was young,
rich, intelligent, and influential. He was a prime prospect, to say
the least. Not only that, but he was eager and ready to go. He
came running up to Jesus, bowed at his feet, and said, “What must
I do to inherit eternal life?”

If we were in Jesus’ shoes, we probably would be thinking this
is our chance. A simple “Pray this prayer, sign this card, bow your
head, and repeat after me,” and this guy is in. Then think about
what a guy like this with all his influence and prestige can do.We
can get him on the circuit. He can start sharing his testimony,
signing books, raising money for the cause. This one is a nobrainer—
we have to get him in.

Unfortunately, Jesus didn’t have the personal evangelism
books we have today that tell us how to draw the net and close the
sale. Instead Jesus told him one thing: “Go, sell everything you
have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.”

What was he thinking? Jesus had committed the classic blunder
of letting the big fish get away. The cost was too high.

Taking Back your faith from the American Dream - David Platt