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JESUS AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER (III)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20
Luke 18:18-30

Matthew 6:24

 

“…come and follow me.”

 

JESUS AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER (III)
 
With regard to the rich young ruler, Jesus remarked, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” Why is it so difficult for a rich man to be saved? It is because the rich are so self-confident, self-assured and self-satisfied. Money brings power, and power brings control. The rich man considers himself to be “in control” of his life. It is difficult to give up this control. It has to do with pride.
 
Jesus went on to say, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” What is this “eye of a needle”? Some interpreters try to down play the meaning of this proverb by saying that the needle’s eye refers to a gate leading into the city of Jerusalem where camels had to kneel down in order to get through. I do not think Jesus was referring to that. The eye of a needle ought to be understood literally as the actual eye of a sewing needle where the thread goes through. Jesus was saying that it is truly easier to thread a huge camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. A man that is bloated with riches and pride will find it impossible to enter heaven. That is why the disciples were “astonished out of measure.” They logically and correctly responded, “Who then can be saved?” “None” is the expected answer. Are all rich people therefore destined to eternal damnation? Jesus gave a hopeful reply, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Salvation is impossible with men; it is possible only with God.
 
THOUGHT: The rich must become poor to win Christ.

PRAYER: Father, I surrender all.

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