“I tell you, 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.”
Matthew 19:24
“Abundance” is often thought of monetarily, as advocates of the “prosperity gospel” would suggest, equating God’s favor with wealth. Although heaven will surely be filled with those who were rich, poor, and everything in between, there are temptations that come especially with wealth. Among them are believing we can earn salvation and losing sight of the value of forgiveness.
In Matthew 19, a rich young man approached Jesus, asking what he needed to do earn eternal life. Jesus instructed him to “sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven” (v. 21). The man went away sorrowful because he had a great many belongings. From this came Jesus’ words about the difficulty of those entering the kingdom of God when their hearts are devoted to their own kingdom of earthly wealth.
We all need to regard this because even if we are poor by the world’s standards, possessions can have a tight hold on us. We can be so enamored with our wealth that we fail to see the value of gospel salvation given to us in abundance.
In Matthew 19, a rich young man approached Jesus, asking what he needed to do earn eternal life. Jesus instructed him to “sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven” (v. 21). The man went away sorrowful because he had a great many belongings. From this came Jesus’ words about the difficulty of those entering the kingdom of God when their hearts are devoted to their own kingdom of earthly wealth.
We all need to regard this because even if we are poor by the world’s standards, possessions can have a tight hold on us. We can be so enamored with our wealth that we fail to see the value of gospel salvation given to us in abundance.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 19:16-30
Insight
Look no further than the good news of your salvation for your gift of inestimable, incomparable worth.
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 47-48
- Psalm 94
- Acts 17