Scripture to Read: Luke 18:24-27
Jesus knew that what He had said to the rich ruler would be incredibly difficult for him to hear and even more difficult for him to do, but that did not stop Jesus from sharing the truth with him. Then, God had Luke record what Jesus said next in Luke 18:24–27, “And Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For 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.’ 26 They who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ 27 But He said, ‘The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.’” Jesus made sure that the rich ruler knew where his heart was focused. Jesus wasn’t saying that money was inherently evil, but He made it clear that wealth can create a dangerous spiritual deception leading people to think they are self-sufficient. Worldly riches can make people feel secure and in control, making it much harder to surrender to Christ as Lord. Jesus drove the point home by saying that it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom. Jesus deliberately shared an illustration that depicted something everyone knew was impossible. Jesus said this was not just difficult in human terms but impossible. That is why He was asked, “Who can be saved?” Salvation is never achieved by human ability; it is God’s work of grace.
Challenge & Application
When we read the Bible, besides salvation, what else do we know is impossible to do apart from Christ our Lord?
In what areas of your life has the Lord challenged you that you need to die to daily to walk wholeheartedly with Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!