Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men [it is] impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

– Mark 10:23-27 (NKJV)

The rich young ruler was seeking eternal life, but when Jesus told him to sell all that he had, he went away sorrowful. In short Jesus asked for a total commitment of his heart, but the man loved the comfort of his wealth more than he desired to follow Jesus. For this man the cost of discipleship was too much. The cost wasn’t in what he would have to pay, but what he would have to give up to follow Jesus.

The disciples marveled because they saw this man as having a great advantage to knowing God… his wealth. He must be liked by God to be so wealthy… right? But what the disciples saw as an advantage, Jesus saw as a disadvantage. This man’s wealth held him back.

Ponder this for a moment. Who has more to give up to follow Jesus, a rich man who must give his money away so he isn’t tempted to trust in his own riches when the going gets tough, or a child who completely depended on others anyway? Jesus is helping the disciples see that kingdom of God isn’t something to be achieved, but received.

Yet, as impossible as it seemed for rich men to come into the kingdom of God, there would be many. They would realize the surpassing value of knowing Christ as Lord and Savior and they would give all, many including their very lives, to follow after Jesus. It’s clear when God get’s ahold of our hearts because our dependence and our nature changes. One of the rich men who came into the kingdom despite his riches was a tax collector named Zacchaeus! His whole attitude towards money changed the day that Jesus came to his house. How has Jesus changed your perspective on things?

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. There are things that seem impossible to us, but are possible through you. It seems contrary to think that someone would give up their love of money and possessions to follow you, but there are many who have. Help us to see people the way you see them. Let us show grace to those who trust you easily and let us pour out our hearts in prayer who come to you through many struggles. Give us discernment as we apply your word to our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.