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Radical Jesus

Jesus, as always, asks a very penetrating question. The “rich young ruler” had just turned and left. He was very sad. Jesus had challenged him to sell everything and give it to the poor.

Jesus turns to his disciples.

Jesus asks the question. I imagine He lets the question linger.

Will anyone answer? Silence. No one can or no one will. The disciples have heard Jesus ask lots of questions. They are never easy. Best to just listen as Jesus explains.

As he watched him go, Jesus told his disciples, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom? Let me tell you, it’s easier to gallop a camel through a needle’s eye than for the rich to enter God’s kingdom.” The disciples were staggered. “Then who has any chance at all?”

Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.” | Matthew 19:23-26

So … since no one answers, Jesus does. It is difficult for the rich to enter God’s kingdom He says. Not impossible but very, very difficult.

Do I get it? Jesus says “Happy are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20)

Jesus has a lot to say about poverty and wealth. The first priority is serving out King Jesus, ruler of God’s country.

Money is not the priority. It can get in the way. Jesus knows this and challenges me.

Do I get it?