Today's Scripture
Riches – Matthew 19: 16-30
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Matthew 19 Mark 10(CEB)
16 A man approached him and said, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?”
17 Jesus said, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There’s only one who is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.”
18 The man said, “Which ones?”
Then Jesus said, “Don’t commit murder. Don’t commit adultery. Don’t steal. Don’t give false testimony. 19 Honor your father and mother,[d] and love your neighbor as you love yourself.”[e]
20 The young man replied, “I’ve kept all these. What am I still missing?”
21 Jesus said, “If you want to be complete, go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come follow me.”
22 But when the young man heard this, he went away saddened, because he had many possessions.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I assure you that it will be very hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 In fact, it’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”
25 When his disciples heard this, they were stunned. “Then who can be saved?” they asked.
26 Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.”
27 Then Peter replied, “Look, we’ve left everything and followed you. What will we have?”
28 Jesus said to them, “I assure you who have followed me that, when everything is made new, when the Human One[f] sits on his magnificent throne, you also will sit on twelve thrones overseeing the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And all who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or farms because of my name will receive one hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last. And many who are last will be first.
What does this passage mean to me/us
We all know this passage. At the same time, this passage makes us confused.
Jesus says, “I assure you that it will be very hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Does it mean that rich people cannot enter the Kingdom?
‘No’ and ‘Yes.’
‘No,’ because eternal life is a gift from God. Whoever believes in God will live with God in eternity.
That is why Jesus later says, “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.”
On the other hand, we can say ‘Yes,’ because the kingdom of heaven starts here on earth. Jesus says “God’s kingdom is already among you.” (Luke 17:20)
Meaning that when our hearts are occupied by the riches and needs of the world, we are incapable to see the kingdom that is here.
Then it is true that we won’t enter the kingdom and live the kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven.
Where are our hearts occupied?
Prayer
Lord, help us to see you and enter the kingdom of heaven on earth. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN.
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