The Wealth Barrier

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Opening Prayer

Loving Lord, I ask for patient endurance and steadfast trust, so I may walk with You today without hesitation.

Read MARK 10:17-31

^[17] As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ^[18] “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good-except God alone. ^[19] You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'” ^[20] “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” ^[21] Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ^[22] At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. ^[23] Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” ^[24] The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ^[25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” ^[26] The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” ^[27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” ^[28] Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” ^[29] “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel ^[30] will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-along with persecutions-and in the age to come eternal life. ^[31] But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

The insatiable desire for more can consume us. We must submit to the Spirit’s control, commit to him our addictive behavior, and ask for his supernatural strength.

Think Further

Although young, the unnamed seeker in today’s passage was a “ruler” (Matt. 19:20; Luke 18:18). Despite great wealth, he was spiritually aware, anxious to prepare for the life to come. “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die” was not for him. He was serious. In his culture it was undignified for men of substance to run, yet run he did, so eager was he to get an answer to his question. For a wealthy person to bow before a teacher was a mark of unusual respect. This enquirer was also sincere, genuinely attempting to keep God’s commandments. The question–“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”–was honest, unlike when put by another on a different occasion (Luke 10:25). If he arrived at our churches today, surely we would welcome him with open arms.

Jesus raises two questions. The first is about the man’s understanding of the law. Did he know what he was saying when he claimed to keep all the commandments (20)? Hardly. “No one is good, except God alone” (18). What the young man regarded as spiritual success was, in fact, failure. Jesus proves by this by challenging him to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength (12:30).

Next, Jesus tests the depth of the questioner’s desire for eternal life: “Go, sell everything … give to the poor … follow me” (21). This is not a general rule but a personal test for this individual who tragically fails to meet it. Jesus’ subsequent comments startle the twelve who may have had a fondness for “the prosperity gospel” (24-26). However, he assures us that God can enable us to do what we find impossible, and part with whatever hinders us from entering the Kingdom (27).

Apply

What do you find difficult to give up in order to follow Jesus more closely? Pray for any help you need.

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, I need to take up my cross daily as I seek to follow You. Help me to set aside those things that hamper my full obedience to You.

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