The Key to Surrender
What comes to mind when you hear the word surrender? For many, the word conjures images of defeat, waving the proverbial white flag, and relinquishing control. I think of my older brother torturing me with the infamous “typewriter,” holding me down while pecking at my chest like a keyboard. If I was unable to escape his grasp, I’d eventually surrender, screaming for my mom or dad to intervene.
The Oxford dictionary defines surrender this way:
Surrender - cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.
Surrender often signals defeat, but not always. In the Kingdom of God, surrender is not about losing—it’s about winning in a way the world cannot understand. We are not surrendering to an enemy, we are surrendering to a friend. It’s letting go of our control and allowing Jesus, the rightful King, to rule our lives. Jesus promises we’ll gain far more than we give up. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at two individuals who had similar encounters with Jesus.
In Luke 18 and 19, we are introduced to two wealthy individuals — “The Rich Young Ruler” and “Zacchaeus.” We know both of these men are wealthy and powerful — two markers of success and happiness in today’s culture. However, these two men have very different responses to Jesus. (Read Luke 18:18-30 and Luke 19:1-10)
The Rich Young Ruler walked away from Jesus sad and dejected, because he was unwilling to part ways with what was most valuable to him. Zacchaeus embraced Jesus, surrendering his life and his own possessions. Zacchaeus was completely transformed while the Rich Young Ruler, remained wealthy, but empty. Why did these two men respond so differently?
4 differences between Rich Young Ruler and Zacchaeus:
Desired to be seen by Jesus vs. Desired to see Jesus
The Rich Young Ruler wanted Jesus to notice him for his goodness. He wanted to prove to Jesus that he was good enough. On the other hand, Zacchaeus was curious and wanted to see Jesus. The stories of Jesus proceeded him and he simply needed to see him for himself. That desperate curiosity led him to do something radical in order to see Jesus.
How desperate are you to see Jesus?Wanted Jesus on own terms vs. Approached Jesus in humility
The Rich Young Ruler wanted Jesus on his own terms. He was willing to follow Jesus, but he had conditions. His acceptance of Jesus was conditional. Zacchaeus came to Jesus humbly and joyfully. It’s impossible to truly follow Jesus if there are parts of our lives that remain off-limits.
Is there anything in your life that you are withholding from Jesus?Relied on own goodness vs. Realized own lostness
The Rich Young Ruler thought he could earn eternal life. He believed it was up to him. Zacchaeus realized his own lostness, enabling him to approach Jesus. He wasn’t looking for validation, he was looking for wholeness. If you think it’s up to you, you will never surrender control of your life.
Do you recognize your own lostness and need for Jesus?Valued his things over Jesus vs. Valued Jesus over everything
The Rich Young Ruler walked away from Jesus. He was unwilling to part ways with what was most valuable to him. He believed his wealth and possessions were more valuable than Jesus and what he had to offer. Zacchaeus was willing to give it all away in order to have Jesus. To live surrendered, we must deal with our greater thans.
If you are being honest, what in your life do you consider to be greater than what Jesus has to offer?
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” - Philippians 3:7-8 NLT
The key to surrender is LORDSHIP. It’s easy to call Jesus our savior, but can we truly call him our Lord? Lordship is at the core of surrender. Who is calling the shots in my life? Who is reigning? Who is ruling? Who has control? Who has power?
The Christian life is synonymous with surrender. To be a Christian is to trust Jesus as Lord — king and ruler — of your life. It’s impossible to truly follow Jesus if we want to keep calling the shots in our lives. When we surrender to Jesus, we always win. His way is always better and what we gain is way more valuable than what we lose.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” — Mark 8:36 NLT
You will face a moment today in which you will have an opportunity to surrender. It may be an invitation to forgive someone who has wronged you. It may be passing up on an activities with friends that no longer align with who God is calling you to be. It may be to share your faith with someone at the gym. Embrace those moments. A surrendered life is built by surrendered moments.
What is holding you back from surrender?