PROCLAMATION
“It is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:25 (KJV)
EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ,
which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.
Jesus and His disciples left the villages around Caesarea Philippi and went to
Judea and across the Jordan river. Again crowds followed Him, and He
taught them. (Mark 10:1) There were Pharisees in the crowd, and they
questioned Him about divorce. Jesus replied that Moses permitted it but
that was not how The Lord God intended it from the beginning. (Mark
10:2-12) Some of the people brought their young children to Jesus for Him
to touch them and bless them but His disciples rebuked them. Jesus said for them to let the little
children come to Him. He said that
whosoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter
it. Then He took the children into His
arms, put His hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16) As He was leaving, a young rich man ran up to
Him and fell on his knees and asked Him what he had to do to inherit eternal
life. Jesus asked him if he knew the commandments and he said that he had
kept the commandments since he was a boy. Jesus then told him to go and
sell everything that he had, give the money to the poor, and then follow
Him. The young man left saddened because he was very wealthy. (Mark 10:17-22)
That was when Jesus said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to
enter the kingdom of God.” … “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.” (Mark 10:23-26) Then Jesus said to His disciples, “With men
it is impossible … with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) Peter said that they had left everything and
followed Him. To which Jesus replied
that for that they shall receive one hundredfold increase over what they had.
(Mark 10:28-31) As they were on their
way to Jerusalem, Jesus again predicted His crucifixion, death, burial, and
resurrection. (Mark 10:32-34) The
chapter ends with the discussion of the ambition of James and John, wanting to
sit on His right and left side when He comes to His kingdom, (Mark 10:35-45)
and the giving of sight to blind Bartimaeus. (Mark 10:46-52)
APPLICATION
Having a lot of money or great wealth does not prevent one from entering the
kingdom of God. The problem is that most of the rich and wealthy people
tend to rely on their possessions and their money instead of relying on The
Lord God. Their faith is in their money, not in God. Without faith
in God it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6) No man can serve
two masters. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13) We must believe and trust in
The Lord God. (Jeremiah 17:7) Those who
do not believe will never enter into the kingdom of God. (Revelation 20:15)
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