15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For 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.” 26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” 28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” 29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Following Jesus’ warning that the proud will be humbled and the humble will be exalted when it comes to entering the kingdom, He points to little children as the perfect example of this disposition. There is nothing pretentious about a child. Children are naturally humble and know they are fully dependent on others. They accept things freely in faith. It is with this attitude that we need to accept God’s teaching. The Jews should have received the offer of the kingdom like children and today we should receive Jesus’ offer of salvation in the same way.
A rich ruler came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. The man referred to Jesus as the Good Teacher and Jesus asked why he called Him good if God alone is good. The man had come to Jesus under the pretense that he could be good enough (what must I do?) and Jesus points out clearly that the only one who truly qualifies as good is God. Jesus isn’t denying that He is the Good Teacher but reminding the ruler that as such, He is God. Then Jesus pointed out that to qualify for eternal life based on personal effort would require doing all that is required by the Law (Gal 3:10-12; Jas 2:10-11). Jesus listed five of the ten commandments that deal with man’s relationship with others (Ex 20:1-17). The man, perhaps with an air of pride, claimed that he had kept all of those since he was young. Then Jesus said there was one thing he still lacked. What was that? Possibly it was tied to the one command Jesus left off, that of covetousness. Jesus told him to sell all he had, give to the poor (love others as you love yourself) and follow Him (love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength). When the ruler heard this, he was sad because of his great wealth. His wealth was an obstacle to belief. His trust was clearly in his wealth and self-righteousness and He wasn’t prepared to give that up to put all his faith in Jesus. Just like it is impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, it is almost impossible for the wealthy to accept salvation because their trust in their riches competes against simple belief in Christ. Like so many, the disciples had believed that wealth was a sign of God’s blessing, and if the rich wouldn’t enter the kingdom, who would. Jesus replied that what is impossible with man is possible with God—the wealthy too can be saved.
Peter then pointed out that they had given up much to follow Jesus. Jesus replied that they would indeed receive their reward. They had given up families and homes and they would become part of the family of God in the church. They had already received eternal life now (John 6:47) which they would enjoy in the age to come.
Consider money’s prominence in your life, both what you have and what you’re working for. Is it hindering your ability to follow Jesus wholeheartedly now?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Isaiah’s Vision: Isaiah 1-2