Mark 10:17-31 [Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 10:25-37, 18:18-30]
The encounter shocked the apostles as much as the rich man, particularly after Jesus said wealth made reaching the kingdom difficult. Their society, like ours, believed those who possessed the luxury of time (wealth) and dedicated that time to performing holy acts (piety) attained God’s affection. If that was not true, how could we know God notices anyone?
Many religions teach that good things in life come from God. All the bad stuff shows his displeasure or his neglect. Therefore, those with wealth come to believe they deserve God’s blessings because of status. Often with wealth comes self-reliance and self-indulgence. However, the wealthy and educated do not have a monopoly on arrogance and pride.
Poverty does not make a person holy any more than prosperity confirms God’s love. He judges the heart. God wants us to deal with the situations life presents and to help others along the way. This passage does not impose poverty as a way to attain immortality. Jesus said generosity stores up treasure in heaven. It makes us richer than any amount of gold.
Having wealth was not the man’s issue. In Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27, Jesus declared God made reaching him simple, even though we cannot reach him, God does the impossible. Did you catch that? Before Jesus died, he told us that God saves, always did, and always will. He wants to live with us while we are alive. Our role is to love him, trust his promises, and obey his rules. He does all the rest. If we let him, God makes us holy enough to live in heaven.
That lesson makes me think. Does my religion instill guilt to make me comply? How often does my religion promise blessings to pry money from my hands? Does my religion claim God loves one group more than others? Can I see the value of generosity? Do I trust God to love me?
To be continued:
