Bible Rich Young Ruler

By Brian December 19, 2022 Bible study 0 Comments

Opening Scripture

And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23) What is the understanding of this verse and the rest of the story?

First I recommend you read the whole chapter (Mark 10:17-27). I will break down this story as to what Christ really meant. This story has in one way or another baffled many. Some think Christ had no regard for wealth or probably never meant for us to become wealthy.

Misconception About Wealth

Anyway, that’s not true. By the end of this post, you will understand what Christ really meant. Stay with me till the end. First, you need to know WEALTH IS GOOD AND VERY GOOD! No one wants to be poor in his or her life.

Everyone is trying to get wealth in one way or another if even if it’s STEALING. So acquiring wealth can be done in two ways both good and bad. First of all, let me debunk interpretations used by certain preachers wrongly and say this is what God says about wealth.

What Does The Bible Say About Wealth

Look at this scripture “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18) Take note of “HE WHO GIVES YOU THE POWER TO GET WEALTH”. This is the key point here.

So Christ can’t and will never contradict himself i.e say one thing and then change it. So then what did he actually mean? Have you heard of the scripture “FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS A ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVILS? It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

The love of money refers to the temptation to put our trust in it rather than in God. This is why Jesus looked at the young man and saw that his heart was set on the wealth he had. That’s why Jesus also says in this scripture, ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ In other words, our priorities and values are reflected in how we use our resources.”

Your heart should always be with the infinite intelligence who is the creator and giver of wealth. So Christ is not rebuking all those who have wealth will not enter his kingdom. But rather our focus should be him and from him, we get all we want to live a glorious and successful life.

Many have misinterpreted this verse to mean something different. Especially the first two verses. That’s why most Christians are living impoverished lives. One of the reasons is religious preachers who have gotten wrong the interpretations of these verses.

Now we’re not only called to come and make wealth only here on earth but most importantly to achieve God’s agenda. Importantly finding your purpose your calling or gifting is key. Again to prove wealth is so scriptural king Solomon says “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.” This means when you discover your gift and work on it wealth is assured.

Your eternal wealth should be stored in heaven. Look at this scripture “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)

You need to know earthly wealth is not permanent we all die and leave it here. There is an afterlife So Christ recommends we store it in a place where no one can reach it. This means as we acquire wealth here on earth our givings and financing kingdom work should be our key priority.

Conclusion

To summarize the book of Mark 10:17-27 and key takeaways…

A rich man approaches Jesus and asks him what he must do to inherit eternal life.
Jesus tells the man that he must keep the commandments, which the man says he has done.
Jesus then tells the man that he must sell all of his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow him in order to inherit eternal life.
The man goes away sorrowful because he is unwilling to part with his wealth.
Jesus then tells his disciples that it is difficult for people who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God because they tend to rely on their wealth and put their trust in it instead of in God.
However, Jesus also says that “with God, all things are possible,” suggesting that it is not impossible for wealthy people to enter the kingdom of God.

Overall, the story is meant to illustrate the importance of putting one’s trust in God and being willing to follow Jesus, even when it requires sacrifices or challenges. It also highlights the potential for wealth to be a temptation or a barrier to spiritual growth, and the need to be mindful of how one uses one’s resources.

Comment below if you’ve been blessed…