Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson
6. Can a Rich Man Enter Heaven? (Matthew 19:23-26)
MATTHEW 19:23-26
23 Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Job 42:2)
Wealth in the Old Testament was considered an outstanding blessing from God. The possession of wealth was seen as a proof of their harmony with God’s will, whereas they considered the poor as cursed and rejected. Jesus broke with this principle completely, showing that riches often signify sin, taking into consideration the fact that the rich are not more sinners than the poor who seek riches. They all need the Redeemer and His salvation. He made love the basis of His New Covenant and not material wealth as a proof of godliness. Jesus guided men to sacrifice for God, and led His followers to give from their plenty to the needy with prudence. He who loves himself and clings to his properties, and does not love the needy, is considered a poor man in his heart. Yet God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice deliver you from your worry, envy, and anger that you will live contently for Jesus Christ.
Do not live for yourself but for your Lord and for those that He guides you to. Whoever takes hold of his money and builds his future on gold is foolish and neglectful of God’s love, for no one can serve God and mammon. You will be no better than an idolater if you think only of your own well being. This question includes your future employment, salary, health and life circumstances. Like the idolater you may fail to see God’s mercy, goodness and love. How can you fail to praise Him for all the good gifts He gives you? Your thankfulness should flow out of your heart if you love your heavenly Father with all your heart and trust Him alone.
Jesus spoke of the small gate beside the big door in the city wall known as “the eye of the needle.” This narrow gate was left open at night, because it was so low that only one man could get through it by bowing down to the ground. Such is the case with every rich person in money, gifts, power, and time. How could such a man enter through the narrow gate? If you do not become broken, humble, and free of all that you have and of your worries and sins, you will never be able to enter the kingdom of God. But if you become small, broken, and humble, you will be able to enter in.
Jesus remained poor, humble, and content on earth. If you allow Him, the Holy Spirit will break your love and ambition for riches and deliver you from the conceitedness of worldly treasures as you abide in the free sacrifice of Jesus. Otherwise your thoughts and life will always be attracted to the idol of mammon. God wants to change your mind from what is material and selfish into what is spiritual and sacrificial. This would happen willingly if you followed Christ.
PRAYER: O Father, please free me from the materialism of this world. Teach me full commitment to Your Son. Deliver us from our worldly commitments, and teach us sacrifice through faith in the offering of Your Son who gave His life for us. You love us, so enable us to love You too and love all the needy with whom we have contact that we may use our gifts to glorify Your merciful name.
QUESTION:
- Why is it nearly impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?