Unlimited: The Rich And The Kingdom | Good News Unlimited
Unlimited: The Rich and the Kingdom
Feb 5, 2021 2852
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:23–25, NIV).
Jesus asked a wealthy young man to sell everything he has, give it to the poor, and then come and follow him.
Jesus loved that man, but the man turned his back on Jesus and he returned sadly to his comfortable home.
As Jesus and the disciples watched in amazement as the man leaves, Jesus said something even more amazing!
As far as the disciples, or anyone in their society, were concerned, if anyone deserved to be rewarded with eternal life it was the rich young man that they saw leave the presence of the Master.
The first reason was that he had apparently kept the commandments, which in their religion meant a ticket straight to heaven.
And the second reason is that he was very wealthy, which in that religion meant that God approved of him and had especially blessed him for his faithfulness and devotion to him.
So, when Jesus sadly exclaimed, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” the disciples were amazed.
So, Jesus repeated it again, and then said that it’s harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
The camel was the largest animal they knew, and everyone knew how small the eye of a needle was. Jesus was emphasising with wry humour just how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God if you are burdened down by wealth.
According to global statistics, if you live in the west, you are certainly among the “rich.” No matter how “poor” you may feel, you are still in the top miniscule percent of the world’s wealthy.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection: So, think carefully about what Jesus said. Why is it so difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
