Wealth and Believing

Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" But the disciples were astonished at His words. Again Jesus said to them, "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."

So they were even more astonished, saying to one another, "Then who can be saved?"

Looking at them, Jesus said, "with men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God." Mark 10:23-27

Why did the disciples become astonished? Why did they say, "But who can be saved?"

Perhaps their confusion came from the fact that wealth had been considered a sign of blessing. Perhaps some who followed were wealthy? Perhaps some of them were wealthy. We know that Jesus was supported by some wealthy women, what about them?

Wealth creates a sense of security and the recipient of that wealth can then shun the gospel believing they have all they need. This, then would be a snare.

Jesus goes on to say, "with men it is impossible but not with God." What does He mean? He means that God is quite capable of winning any heart. Praise Him! He can create a longing, and emptiness in any heart, He is greater than the hardness of men's hearts. Amen!