Hard for the Rich to Enter God’s Kingdom

Topic: Riches
Passage: Mark 10:13–31

December 4, 2021

Commentary

Jesus was often criticized for spending time with the “wrong” kind of people. Even the disciples thought He should focus on those they considered important. Jewish mothers brought their children to Jesus, hoping a respected Rabbi would bless them. The disciples, seeing His heavy schedule, tried to send them away (v. 13). But Jesus was displeased and said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me” (vv. 14–15). He took them in His arms and taught that anyone who enters God’s Kingdom must come with simple, childlike faith (v. 16).

Next, a rich young ruler came running, knelt before Jesus, and asked, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (v. 17). Jesus saw that his heart was tied to his possessions. He told him to sell all he had and give to the poor (v. 21). The man went away sorrowful, unwilling to let go (v. 22). This shows that money can be a good servant but a terrible master. If we possess money, we should use it for God’s glory; but if money possesses us, it becomes dangerous. Respectability is not enough. Jesus teaches that true faith acts with love and generosity toward others.

As Jesus watched him leave, He said, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (v. 23). The disciples were amazed, since they believed wealth showed God’s favor (v. 24). But Jesus taught that earthly success does not guarantee eternal life. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” (v. 25). Yet He also said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God” (v. 27). Possessions test our character and bring responsibility. We must not trust in wealth, but in God alone. Those who humble themselves will be lifted up, for “many that are first shall be last; and the last first” (v. 31).

Application

What am I holding on to that keeps me from fully following Jesus? Do I trust in money, success, or comfort more than God? Am I willing to trust, let go and obey Him? Do I have a childlike faith? Lord, help me trust You more than anything and use what I have to bless others, with a joyful, surrendered and thankful heart daily.

Mark 10:13–31 (NET)

13 Now people were bringing little children to him for him to touch, but the disciples scolded those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 After he took the children in his arms, he placed his hands on them and blessed them.

17 Now as Jesus was starting out on his way, someone ran up to him, fell on his knees, and said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20 The man said to him, “Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.” 21 As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were astonished at these words. But again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God.”

28 Peter began to speak to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you!” 29 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive in this age a hundred times as much—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, fields, all with persecutions —and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Martin Luther Gives Advice on Possessions

Martin Luther said, I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess. – (Source unknown)