Matthew 19:23-26
‘And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, 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.” When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”’
There are a couple of truths here. The first is that it’s difficult for a rich person to make it to heaven. How come? We just saw the conversation Jesus had with the rich young ruler. He came to Jesus asking how to inherit eternal life. His answer said to sell all and follow Him. The young man went away sad. Jesus wasn’t saying that giving everything away saves a person. He looked at the man and saw his idol, money. This was a big obstruction. That was Jesus’ point about a rich person going to heaven. Money and greed are difficult idols to displace.
Some comments about wealth. Like any idol it will bring misery. The one’s under it’s influence think it will care for them, yet, it saps the joy and life from them. In my twenties many of us would go to Mexico to serve. Every time we were surprised how happy the very poor children were. The joy radiated from them. It was challenging. Our western ways are a blessing, but we get clouded by our possessions and life pace. The joy amidst the poverty was a big lesson for us.
Another point Jesus makes is about the impossibility of a person making it to heaven on their own merits. It shocked the disciples. Not saying that they thought they could earn their way to heaven, but they had been raised in a system that they thought would get them there.
What may have complicated this with the disciples is that wealth was seen as a blessing from God. If it was impossible for these “blessed ones” to get to heaven, how could the “common ones” get there?
Jesus makes the point that people can’t get to heaven without God’s intervention. The Old Testament system of sacrifices was only temporary. Jesus is getting close to the cross. He is explaining more. This is a big one. If one was to get to heaven, it would be through Jesus’ sacrifice. They would get that first hand very soon. After pentecost, they would be preaching this message.
Thank You, Lord, for making the Way. Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice. Help us to share that good news.