The Way to Eternal Life: Following Jesus

 "A man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ...Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions."

-Mark 10:17-22

 

Introduction

The quest for eternal life has captivated humanity since time immemorial. In the Gospel of Mark, a man approaches Jesus with a heartfelt question, seeking to know what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds with a profound statement that illuminates the path to heaven: "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." In these words, Jesus emphasizes the essentiality of following Him as the way to eternal life. This article explores the significance of Jesus' statement and the transformative power of a relationship with Him. 

The Quest for Eternal Life

The yearning for eternal life is inherent in the human heart. It is a fundamental question that surpasses material possessions and worldly achievements. The man's question to Jesus echoes the universal desire to attain a life that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Recognizing Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life: In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." These words hold immense significance, for they encapsulate the essence of our faith. Jesus is not merely a good teacher or a moral guide; He is the very path that leads to God and eternal life. 

The Call to Radical Discipleship

When Jesus tells the man to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him, it is an invitation to radical discipleship. Jesus lovingly identifies the one thing that hinders man from fully surrendering to Him. Material attachments can hinder our ability to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It is an invitation to detach ourselves from worldly possessions and prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. 

The Transformative Power of Following Jesus

Following Jesus is more than a set of rules or religious observances. It is a transformative journey of faith, rooted in a personal relationship with Him. Through following Jesus, we experience His love, grace, and mercy. He becomes our guide, illuminating the way ahead and leading us closer to the Father. 

Embracing the Way

To inherit eternal life, it is vital to embrace Jesus as the Way. This involves surrendering our lives to Him, acknowledging our need for His saving grace, and committing to follow Him faithfully. It is through this relationship that we receive the assurance of eternal life and the promise of abundant life here and now. 

Conclusion

The quest for eternal life is not a mere intellectual pursuit or a checklist of good deeds. It is a profound journey that requires us to recognize Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Following Jesus involves surrendering our attachments, embracing radical discipleship, and nurturing a personal relationship with Him. As we embark on this transformative journey, we discover the abundant life He offers and the promise of eternal communion with the Father. May we all heed Jesus' call to follow Him and find the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest longing for eternal life. 

 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6 

 "Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do."

- St. Thomas Aquinas Two Precepts of Charity, 1273