"With human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (v. 26) What an incredible promise! Let's not forget, Jesus is talking about salvation. That rich man that came up to Jesus asked what good thing he could do to get into heaven. Jesus brings up all the commandments and this guy actually says he is keeping them. So Jesus tells him, not how to just get eternal life, but how to be perfect! Perfection is giving up all your stuff and following Jesus. Here we are, back to our stuff (uh oh), and the path Jesus has laid out for perfection is so difficult to fathom, that even the disciples are blown away and want to know who can be saved! And Jesus gives them the promise, that with God it is possible.
Look, this is not rocket science. In fact it is so simple that children are most capable of getting it. If I want eternal life (perfection even), God can make that possible. Simply follow Jesus. The part about riches is about the things that keep us from following Jesus, and for this rich guy, those riches were the thing. I'd venture to say there is something for each one of us that would keep us from following Jesus somewhere. We are all a slave to something, whether it is money, things, fear, our reputation, etc. Jesus calls us to be willing to scarifice those thing for the sake of others, and follow Jesus. If I can do that, Jesus' own perfection is applied to my life, and I will inherit eternal life. It is sad that the rich guy, a guy who seemingly would understand investing, couldn't see the profit of investing all he had in others and in return receiving eternal life. It will be an even greater shame if I do not learn from his example, give up what enslaves me, and follow Jesus with all I am.
Also, I like that Jesus stands up for the kids, and doesn't send them off until he has laid hands on them (blessed them). Just a beautiful picture that I had to comment on it.
This is always a difficult passage for me. "Is there a sin to avoid?" I am still always faced with an uncomfortable conundrum concerning the section on divorce; I am so thankful to God for the redemption of my life and the loving man that he has brought into it, and yet I never cease to regret that I couldn't save my marriage and keep our family intact. I am VERY happy with my wonderful husband, but also have to face daily the consequences of a family disconnected within itself.
ReplyDeleteOne of my daily prayers is, "God, keep me truly humble and never again complacent."