“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” a young rich man asked Jesus. “You know the commandments: Do not murder, do not commit adultery, and do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.” “Teacher,” he said, “All these I have kept since I was a boy.” “One thing you lack,” said Jesus. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth (Mark 10:17).
Everyone was shocked upon hearing what Jesus said about money. It went directly against the teachings of the rabbis and the idea frequently found in the Old Testament that prosperity was a blessing for the righteous, and a sign of God’s favor. Today, it refutes the “prosperity gospel” preached by some and believed by many.
Jesus said, “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 10:25). In spite of all the man-made rationalizations about the meaning of the word “needle,” the verse means exactly what it says.
Jesus had a sense of humor. Can you imagine a large shaggy camel standing in front of a sewing needle and trying to go through its eye? Ridiculous isn’t it? Equally ridiculous is the idea that you can give money the first place in your life and still be right with God. “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People for the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, www.peopleforthechristianway.com
