Jesus Says It is Hard for the Rich
Jesus said it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. In doing this, he astounded his listeners.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, 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.”
26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
In the Old Testament God said they would have good harvests if they followed God faithfully, thus people thought riches were a sign of God’s riches. They had understandable confusion.
Jesus uncorked this for us. He wants to go a step deeper with us. Doing good is good, but God really wants our heart.
What did Jesus see in this rich man’s heart?
Jesus said it is hard for the Rich and We Should Take Note
We can say that Jesus wanted him to trust in God and not his good works or his wealth. Both could be a pitfall, but Jesus saw this guy for sure was lost. Jesus wanted to save him. Note how Jesus does not apologize, but piles on saying saying he cannot get into heaven with an exclamation mark. I have often said that Jesus is not one to compromise. He has the truth and wants to make us well. He cuts deep.
I tend to worry about the future and wonder about getting colon or stomach cancer, so I recently got a colonoscopy and endoscopy showing I am OK, and I breath a little easier.
What does this say? I believe that God knows the best day and the best way for me to die. However, my heart is not in agreement. My worry and not worry in this matter are both signs that I am not as trusting as I think. Where is my faith? Now, I am not saying I should not get this test. I am seeing my heart, however.
Did I pray about cancer? It bothers me, so clearly I should pray. Having prayed, I should trust. Both need work in me. God is all about making us well, and may we seek him and be well.
Rich people can feel confident in their money while I seek to be confident in my health. Jesus stands firmly against both. Let us trust in God in all and always.
