10:23 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!" 24And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!
"Amazed" that their Master would say it was difficult. Wait, were not the rich those blessed by God? Did they not have more funds and more opportunity to do good for God? Were they not wealthy because of their obedience? and the poor made poor for their disobedience? We have come across these people who sum up the abundant blessings of God in things; Money, Possesions, and Health. And if you are lacking in any of these areas it is because you lack faith. Clearly this prosperity gospel is a lie out of Hell. Do not misquote me, there remains no thing or relationship on earth that is more fulfilling, more rewarding, or more life altering then that of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But He does not promise us these things, He promises us life that never dies, comfort that overcomes all obstacles, peace that transcends all understanding, joy that overflows, security that is unmatched, and hope that does not fade. All our longings and hearts desires, that we waste our time filling with 'stuff' are made complete in Christ Jesus.
25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." 26And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, "Then who can be saved?"
Lord George Nugent wanted to suggest that the eye of a needle was actually a cite gate known as the Needle's eye and if a camel wanted to pass through it would need to remove its luggage and kneel through the gate. All a fine analogy but there is no record that such a gate ever existed. "exceedingly astonished" They were blown out of their mind. Based on the disciples reaction and that of Jesus it is more easily thought that the eye of a needle is literally as such. "OK Jesus we get that its difficult, but that is absolutely positively impossible! You can't mean that."
27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."
It is, it always has been and it always will be God who saves sinners from death. He is the author and perfecter of our faith and the One that works out our salvation in and through us. He alone is Savior. The rich man was the example but the ultimate truth is this, that no one is saved apart from the Love of Jesus Christ. It is impossible for man to save himself, but God can save any, even a rich young man, though this one chose not to be saved, it remains thus that ALL things are possible with God.
28Peter began to say to him, "See, we have left everything and followed you."
29Jesus 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 lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
Should you walk away from family, or friends, or a house, or a job, or anything for the sake of following after Jesus you will find a hundredfold of those things here and in Heaven. Its my opinion that Jesus was talking of the Church for that which is here. But as it is we were not created to live for a short period of time, we were designed for eternity and all pleasures here on earth are not so without their difficulties, neither could you ever walk away from the aforementioned and ever expect to be without persecution along the way. But the good and perfect things which are to come when our Lord shall return will be imperishable things, which do not rust and thief can not break in and steal, Heaven is where our treasure should be.
31But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
(This is a difficult sentence to properly explain now, so i will do my best in a later chapter as it is soon explained in parable as well as in context) Note for now, that things in the kingdom of God are always seemingly backwards to our own views of how the world should operate.
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