Mark 10:23-31
23 And Jesus, looking around, *said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus responded again and *said to them, “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 a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 And they were even more astonished, and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?”
27 Looking at them, Jesus *said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”
28 Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and have followed You.”
29 Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake,
30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.
31 But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.”
The Salvation of a Wealthy
Camal and the eye of a needle
Watching the wealthy young man depart, Jesus said to His disciples, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (v 25). The expression “a camel going through the eye of a needle” was well-known among Jewish rabbis. Jesus used this expression to teach His disciples. Some explanations suggest the existence of a small gate called the “eye of the needle” in Jerusalem, but there is no archaeological evidence for it. Those who are wealthy, talented, or hold high positions often resist relying on God’s grace, making it difficult for them to be saved. Whether poor or rich, everyone is saved by faith and grace. The disciples were astonished by Jesus’ teaching and wondered among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus’ response was, “all things are possible with God.”
Peter’s question
Hearing Jesus’ words, Peter asks what kind of reward waits for him and the other disciples who have left everything and followed Jesus. Even Peter, who would become a leader in the early church, was spiritually immature at this time. Jesus promises three blessings (ref. Matt. 19:23-30). (1) The twelve disciples will sit on twelve thrones in the Messianic Kingdom (the Millennial Kingdom) and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. (2) Those who live sacrificial lives for Jesus will receive a hundredfold of blessings. While this includes material blessings, the focus is on spiritual blessings. (3) Furthermore, the eternal life in the age to come is promised. However, the emphasis here by Jesus is that “the first will be last, and the last, first.” In other words, blessings are not determined by the magnitude of sacrifices made. Salvation comes through grace by faith. Those who understand this, even those who come last, will advance spiritually. Once again, let us be thankful for being saved and are made alive by God’s grace. Your life is a work of God’s grace.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, I have been saved by your grace. In response to Your grace, I desire to walk a life of full devotion. Please protect me. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.