In chapter 5 of the book of Mark, we read about Jesus and his encounter with a demon possessed man. According to the text, Jesus delivers the man from a horde of "nasties", yet refuses to allow this now sane person to follow him.
Go over to chapter 10 of that same book and you'll find the story of Jesus and the rich man. After sharing his commitment to all the commandments, Jesus challenges this fellow to sale all his possessions and then come and follow him.
My question is this: Why did Jesus encourage one to follow him and discourage the other?
What was the determining factor in the mind of our Lord? Obviously one had nothing to lose, but everything to gain. The other seemingly had plenty to lose with the added bonus of an unknown future. One was desperately thankful, the other just despaired. One had his eyes set firmly on Jesus while the other couldn't take them off his stuff.
So, what was it? What was it that prompted our Lord to invite one to join him, yet refuse the other's request?
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