And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:24-25 Rich people have the opportunity to do a lot of good, perhaps more so than most people. Not only can they provide for the needs of their family, they can give more money to a local church, to charities, to the homeless and needy, to non-profit organizations, provide employment opportunities, fund scholarships, and start foundations. There’s probably hundreds of opportunities for the rich to do good that would be beyond the capacity of someone from the middle class or for poor people. It’s why many people think that they can enter Heaven more easily as a rich person than if they were poor. No wonder Jesus had to address the value of riches in terms of entering God’s kingdom. Back in Jesus’ day, the same kind of thinking was prevalent in their society. They believed that by doing good, you could earn your way to God. And if you were rich, you had a better chance than everyone else to make it there. The rich young man that Jesus was talking to from Mark 10:17-22 certainly believed this. He kept the commandments to the letter yet he still wanted to check with Jesus what else he was lacking to have eternal life. The man seemed sincere in his approach to the Lord but it seems he had something going against him. Jesus’ comment after he left tells us something about where his faith was. He had trusted in his riches to earn him eternal life and this was what made him feel good about his chances. When Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and give them to the poor, He wanted to remove this young man’s security blanket. As harsh as Jesus’ command sounded, He said it with all the compassion in His heart. It was necessary so that He could illustrate His point that in God’s economy, this man’s riches couldn’t buy him his salvation. He had faith but the object of his faith (money) was incapable of saving him. When the disciples asked, “Who then can be saved?” they were speaking with the mindset that if rich people have a hard time making it, then they have no chance at all. Jesus wisely addressed their conclusion by saying “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” (verse 27). Eternal life was never meant to be earned; it is to be received freely from God because it is only possible through Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” What are you trusting in to have eternal life? Is it your riches and all the good it can bring? Is it your good deeds done for the people around you? Place your faith in the only one who can grant you eternal life. Faith in the Lord alone makes it possible for you and everyone else to be saved. Remember, the object of your faith is more important than merely having faith.
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 09:43:04 +0000
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