Following Christ
T. Manton, D. D. Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor… There are many special reasons why Christ should be propounded to us as our pattern and example whom we should follow and imitate. 1. Because He is a pattern of holiness set up in our nature. 2. Because there are many advantages by this pattern in our nature; as(1) our pattern is more complete than if God had been our pattern. There are some graces wherein we cannot be said to resemble God, and therefore we must look for a pattern elsewhere, as humility, faith, fear, hope, reverence, obedience; none of these things are in God, for He hath no superior, and these things imply inferiority and subjection. (2) It is an engaging pattern. We are engaged by the rule of our obedience, but much more by Christ's example. (3) It is an encouraging pattern, partly as there is an efficacy in this pattern; as with the gospel or law of Christ, there goeth along the ministration of the Spirit, so also with the consideration of His example.Use. To persuade us to follow Christ. 1. Our general profession of being Christians doth oblige us to be like Him; head and members should be all of one piece — oh! what an affront is it to Christ to put His name to the picture and image of the devil. 2. We shall never be like Him in glory unless we be like Him in grace also (Romans 8:29).But wherein should we follow Christ? 1. In His self-denial (2 Corinthians 8:9). 2. In His humility (St. Matthew 20:28). 3. In His love to the saints (St. John 13:34). 4. In His usefulness and profitableness, and of this the whole Gospel is a narrative and history. 5. In His piety towards God. 6. In His spirituality add heavenly-mindedness. 7. In His obedience to His mean earthly parents. 8. In the sweetness and beauty of His conversation, and yet in a strict and winning way. 9. In the holiness and purity of His life. 10. In His wonderful patience and meekness. 11. In love to His enemies (Romans 5:10). (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. WEB: Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross."