Page 40 - Laying Down the Law

Luke 14:33
"So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own
possessions.”

Christ brings in the fulness of the Father’s will for mankind. Everything that
a man possesses is to be surrendered to the Father to be used as He directs. Those
who live by a Law of righteousness make a good showing in the flesh by giving to the
Father a tithe of their increase. Those who walk by the Spirit must surrender to the
Father EVERYTHING.

Luke 14:33
‘So, then, every one of you who doth not take leave of all that he himself hath,
is not able to be my disciple.’
[Young’s Literal Translation]

There was a rich young ruler who kept the Law of Moses. He was outwardly of
a very godly character. To borrow Paul’s description, he made a good showing in the
flesh. I do not doubt the sincerity of this man. I do not believe he was a hypocrite, or
a play actor. He wanted to be found approved by the God of Israel. This young ruler
came to Messiah and asked the following:

Matthew 19:16
"Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"

Yahshua answered him by citing a number of the ten commandments. The
young ruler assured Yahshua that he had kept all these things. He then said, “What
more do I lack.”
Observe closely the response of Christ. He does not tell the young ruler that he
is perfect for having kept the commandments, for the Law makes nothing perfect.
Instead, Christ replies:

Matthew 19:21
"If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you
will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

This encounter with the rich young ruler is recorded in three of the gospels.
Mark presents these last words of Christ to the ruler in this manner.

Mark 10:21
Then Yahshua, 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."