The young man hung back in the shadows. He was puzzled. So many lives changed. Handicapped people who had once hobbled to and fro now leaping with joy. Men and women who had once been depressed sinners now radiating with peace and joy confident that they were forgiven. Mothers once overwhelmed with the fears and tasks of motherhood now chatting happily telling everyone they met about the wonderful things that had happened to them. All these people’s miracles seemed so much the same yet there was only one connection between all of them, a Man, a Teacher.

Now a group of mothers were bringing their children to the teacher. His friends rejected them outright but the Teacher welcomed them. As the young man heard the happy giggles of the kids he felt that nagging thirst for something better returning again. He had done everything he could think of to fill the empty place in his life. He had gained power and wealth. He was well respected as a righteous man. Everyone thought he had it all, everyone, that is, except himself. All the fame and fortune, all the good works and charitable deeds had failed to provide the peace and joy he sought. Yet the teacher seemed to impart just what he had sought all his life to all that came to him. But it was useless. After all, what could this poor teacher give him that he couldn’t buy with his great wealth?

The kids were leaving the house now. Their faces aglow with wonderment their laugh bespoke they’re total jubilation and peace. They had found the elusive joy that he had sought all these years. In shadows his heart began to be pulled toward the Teacher. Hope sprang up in his heart! Before he knew what he was doing he dashed out of the shadows and into the blazing sunlight little puffs of dust darted away from his feet as he ran to catch up with the Teacher. Finally, falling down at the feet of the Teacher, he asked the vital question, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17... Listen 12kbps          Listen 16kbps          View PDF Handout