I want to explain a portion of scripture that some may find confusing. I had a friend (who isn’t a Christian) ask me about the Bible talking about it being wrong to have wealth. Jesus does mention that the poor are blessed and that the kingdom of Heaven is theirs. What we must understand is that religious people at that time thought that if you had wealth then you were blessed by God. That meant that anyone who did not have wealth would have been considered unholy and not someone who would be likely going to Heaven.
We must also understand that when Jesus came, He really shook up the apple cart. He did not come to hang out with religious people and promote what they were doing. He came to show them how they should be truly living their lives, He came to reach out to those in need. He hung out with those on the street, with the prostitutes and those who were diseased. He loved those people in ways that would draw them near Him, because He was a light in the darkness. The leaders of the synagogues  thought that these people were not worthy, but Jesus said that was not true.
Star Trails, Rest Stop Near Cranbrook by Brandon.Peters
That is why He said, blessed are the poor for the kingdom of Heaven is theirs, He wanted to tell them that the poor people could get into Heaven. Further, it is possibly easier for the poor to gain entrance to Heaven as they have less distractions and have great faith, because of their reliance on God. Also related to wealth is the verse from Matthew 19:24.
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24
There are two main thoughts on this, the first is that the eye of a needle was a gate in Jerusalem that was really small where a camel could only enter without baggage and on its knees. Another theory is that it was a place where it was so narrow to pass through that riders would have to dismount their camels to get through, thus making them easier targets for thieves. Either way, it makes it seem much easier than fitting through the eye of a sewing needle. There are so many misconceptions about the Bible because people do not understand the context in which words were spoken. Just something to think about 🙂
But let everyone who trusts you be happy; let them sing glad songs forever. Protect those who love you and who are happy because of you. Lord, you bless those who do what is right; you protect them like a soldier’s shield. -Psalm 5:11-12
3 thoughts on “Trailing the Narrow Path to Salvation”
Yes, great post. the world is loosing the truth because it is not willing to slow down and investigate it. Want Now!
Great message to touch on for the new year. Your exposition debunks the prosperity preachers which tend to preach that if we are Christians, then we should be rich and if we are not rich, then something is wrong with us spiritually?!? The thing is we cannot serve God and Money at the same time, one has to be the master…and God should be the Master!
I love that you also touched on Matthew 19:24 Seems Christians are always trying to get the true meaning of “the eye of a needle” But we could easily take Jesus’ word at face value. The rich young ruler was sad that Jesus said it would be impossible for him to enter the kingdom of God because of his riches.
The bystanders recognized that Jesus meant a literal needle, because they said, “Who then can be saved?†(Luke 18:26). And Jesus replied, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God†(Luke 18:27).
This kills the “little gate†theory, which is not backed up by historical evidence that the gate was called “eye of a needle” and even so, passing through the gate was not impossible.
What these verses say are that:
1. The rich man had to be willing to put God before his possessions.
2. Only God could save him.
Rich people can be saved like anyone else if they do what God wants.
The illustration of the camel going through the eye of a needle was perfect for those He was speaking to. The eye of a needle means the eye of a needle. Jesus’ explained that what is impossible for men is possible with God shows that rich men can be saved and enter Heaven. But only if they put their faith in God rather than in their riches.
Context is so important when talking about or getting into the Bible. Unfortunately, most of the times its overlooked, and is used to communicate someone’s agenda rather than the actual truth.
Great article, I’ve actually heard Dave Ramsey talk about the same subject in a very similar manner to yours.