Can The Rich Be Saved?

Prelude

Do we value the things of God more highly than the things of this world? Purpose: What is Jesus’ opinion on the most valuable things in life? Plan: Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions after a rich man turned away from Him in Mark 10:17-31.

The Advantages of Wealth

The wealthy are often mentally tough people who endure discomfort to get what they want. They can buy freedom from worries, afford the best medical care, usually get what they want, and can avoid dangerous jobs and abusive bosses. They are usually optimists about taking risks because they can afford to lose money. However, research proves that most wealthy people are selfish and self-absorbed, but some are also scrupulously honest and upright in their moral character. Jesus met just such a wealthy and upright individual.

What Must I Do (vs. 17-19)

Mark 10:17-19 (NLT) As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

He asks about self, not family or friends. Jesus attempted to turn the conversation towards God the Father and enumerated some of the Ten Commandments along with an application of the eighth and ninth, defrauding or cheating others in wages or property.

Sell All (vs. 20-21)

Mark 10:20-21 (NLT) “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Should all rich people sell their goods and become poor? Here, the King James Bible helps by the use of the word “thou” (you singular) instead of “ye” (you plural).

Mark 10:20-21 (KJV) And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Jesus offered him a higher level of spirituality than the Ten Commandments, a life of self-sacrificial devotion. Jesus was calling the man to become one of his disciples, and do what the other disciples had already done.

He Went Away Sad (vs. 22-25)

Mark 10:22-25 (NLT) At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

The man loved his enormous real estate holdings more than eternal life. His refusal is contrasted with the 12 disciples who had given up everything to follow Jesus. Even an upright man can be deceived by wealth. We find it easier to trust in our righteousness and wealth than to trust God. The more we have, the harder it is, hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, not impossible, but an absurdly difficult task, like threading a camel through a needle. We are all too attached to material wealth and forget what is permanent. The story does not end there.

Everything is Possible with God (vs. 26-27)

Mark 10:26-27 (NLT) The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

Can any of us be saved? 1 Corinthians 13:3 says that giving everything to the poor without love, is still nothing. This does not contradict Jesus, but applies what Jesus is teaching here. Wealth causes great deception, and is a huge spiritual handicap. But, any attempt to enter the kingdom on merit fails. It is God’s gift.

We’ve Given Up Everything (vs. 28-31)

Mark 10:28-31 (NLT) Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”