Title: The Problem of Wealth

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:23
“Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”

Main idea: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Love of money can cost you Salvation
Jesus told His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” Jesus was not condemning wealth. Jesus did not insist that Zacchaeus sell all his goods and give them to the poor before he would follow him. Zacchaeus voluntarily offers to give up half of his possessions and to restore fourfold whatever he may have gained by fraud (Ex. 22:1; Lev. 5:16; Num. 5:7). This willingness to make things right evokes Jesus’ response, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:8-9).

Jesus said it again: “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 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!” (Mark 10:25). Some commentators have said that “needle” refers to a certain gate in the wall of Jerusalem. However, the Greek word refers to a needle that is used with thread used here, thus, Jesus’ image was purposely hyperbolic. Jesus said His statement with tenderness: “Children.” The camel was one of the largest animals found in that part of the world. The thought of trying to squeeze it, through the eye of a needle would strike His disciples thinking, and also impossible. The fact that disciples were amazed and perplexed is not surprising. Did not riches and honor come from God (1 Chronicles 29:12)? And it takes only one thing like riches to keep you out of God’s kingdom. They did not see that coming.

The Lord clearly means that for a rich man in his own power to try to work his way into the kingdom of God is impossible. So powerful is the hold which wealth has on the heart of the natural man! He is held fast by its bond, and is thereby prevented from obtaining the attitude of heart and mind necessary for entrance into God’s kingdom (Matt. 6:24; 1 Tim. 6:10). What Jesus was now saying did not differ essentially from what he said before, in The Sermon on the Mount: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13, 14).

God Can Provide You Salvation
Disciples asked “Who then can be saved?” Glory be to God, there is a way out. What is impossible with men is possible with God, with whom all things are possible. It is he who, through Christ, is able to save to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25). “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” With men, receiving eternal life is impossible, and no one will be saved. With God all things are possible, and anyone can be saved! If you desire for Christ to be your Savior, you have to replace what you have been looking to as a savior. Salvation is something man cannot accomplish. Salvation is, always be a divine accomplishment through the perfect atonement and sacrificial death of God’s Son. Done, not do!

Application
Jesus closes the saying about the riches, “first will be last, and the last first” (Mark 10:31). The “first” are those who because of their riches, education, position, prestige etc., are highly regarded by men in general. But since God sees and knows the heart many of these very people are by him assigned to a position behind the others; in fact, some may ever be altogether excluded from the halls of glory (Matthew 7:21–23). What Jesus is saying: There will be surprises in heaven. Not only will many of those who are now regarded as the very famous of the church be last, but also many who never made the headlines and stayed behind the scene faithfully served the Lord—think of the poor widow who contributed “two mites” (Mark 12:42), and Mary of Bethany whose act of loving lavishness was roundly criticized by the disciples (Matt. 26:8)—shall be first on the day of judgment (Mark 12:43, 44; Matt. 26:10–13). It isn’t enough to start out well on the path of discipleship. It’s how we finish that counts. Christ says that “many” changes are coming. In God’s eyes, some of the dearest, most repentant, heart-broken, and diligent people are now last; but He is going to exalt them to be ever so near and close to Him. God is going to place every man exactly where he belongs. He is going to rectify injustices. Jesus explained that in the world to come, the values of this world will be reversed. Have you set your eyes above earth’s rewards?

Let’s pray together
Heavenly Father, Thank You, with God all things are possible. No one is saved on merit; but all are saved who humbly come to God and believe Your Son Jesus Christ, receives salvation. Thank You for the Salvation you given to us. In Jesus Name Amen.