COMMENTARY ON MARK


LESSON NUMBER 113

 

     Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 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. 25 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 26 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

(Mark 10:24-27; Matthew 19:24-27; Lk 18: 25-27)

 

SOMETHING IMPOSSIBLE WITH MEN


INTRODUCTION

               Jesus has confronted a wealthy young man who asked what to do to inherit eternal life. Striking at the root of the young man’s problem, the Master told him to sell everything he had, give the proceeds to the poor, and take up his cross and follow Him. The young man left sorrowing, unwilling to give up his riches. The Lord then observed how difficult it was for those with riches to enter the Kingdom of God. This is particularly important text in our time, when wealth is the object of fervent quest. Some choose to think of it as a form of security. Others are quick to tell us it is not wrong to be wealthy. Still others are declaring that God desires for us to be wealthy. Now above the noise of these false teachers, the Head of the church, and the Governor of the nations, lifts his voice. He will tell us the truth of the matter! Riches, in their most favorable stance, are an obstacle to be overcome! God taught Israel this lesson by instructing them concerning the tithe. Whatever they had, from least to much, the firstfruits belonged to the Lord. Abraham and Jacob saw this before the Law (Gen 14:20; 28:22). Not only was this proper stewardship, acknowledging that their substance came from the Lord, it also assisted them in not becoming overly attached to riches. Notwithstanding that circumstance, and particularly in our country, there are many who still find it difficult to let go of wealth, even in the matter of giving their firstfruits to God. This condition confirms the truth of Jesus’ words in this text. There is remarkable difficulty associated with letting go of wealth, whether the cause is a love for money, or a trust in it – and Jesus will address both cases.


TRUSTING IN RICHES

                Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!”


               ASTONISHED DISCIPLES. There is a certain abrasiveness of the words of Jesus against the natural man or carnal mind. How often His words astonished His listeners. We read, “the people were astonished at His doctrine” (Matt 7:26). When He taught in their synagogue, “they were astonished” (Matt 13:54). Now, His own disciples are “astonished at His words” “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!" NASB (10:23).


               The word “astonished” is especially strong. It carries the meaning of “terrified, amazed, and frightened.” STRONG’S The root meaning of the word suggests they could not get this saying out of their minds. It was so arresting – so contrary to the natural way of thinking – that it brought a certain fear upon their souls.


               This reaction is the opposite of hardened unbelief. It is not unusual to find worldly people thrusting the word of Christ from them when it proves too difficult for them – as the Jews in a certain Antioch synagogue did when Paul preached to them (Acts 13:46). But “astonished” means they dwelt upon the saying, keeping it in their minds.


               The astonishment factor here is that what appears to be a kind of security blanket in this world, actually becomes a liability when it comes to entering the kingdom of God. Riches are like a magnet that draw men into the world order. Unless they see them properly, as “uncertain riches” (1 Tim 6:17), they will actually exclude them from the Kingdom of God.


               HOW HARD IT IS! This is not a surface saying: “how difficult it is,” DARBY “it is very hard,” NLT “how hard a struggle it is.” WEYMOUTH That is, it takes extraordinary effort for the people of question to enter into the Kingdom of God. It involves a struggle that other people do not have, and an intensity of effort that is not ordinarily associated with entering the Kingdom – which, even without riches, involves intense endeavors.


               TRUST IN RICHES. Now Jesus is more particular, getting down to the heart of the liability. It is those who “trust in riches” that are His particular focus. Other versions read, “put faith in wealth,” BBE and “trust (place their confidence, their sense of safety) in riches.” AMPLIFIED Newer versions read, “how hard it is to enter the Kingdom,” NASB/NIV leaving out the “trust in riches.” However, the balance of the text confirms that Jesus is delivering a word concerning rich people entering the Kingdom of God, and not of the entrance itself.


               Job put into words what it means to trust in riches: “If I have made gold my hope(Job 31:24). David spoke of those who “have their portion in this life” (Psa 17:14), and those who “trust in their wealth” (Psa 49:6), or “trusted in the abundance of his riches” (Psa 52:7). Solomon said, “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall” (Prov 11:28). Jeremiah referred to the man who “glories in his riches” (Jer 9;23). Zephaniah said there were times when “neither silver nor gold shall be able to deliver” (Zeph 1:18). Paul told Timothy to command the rich not to “trust in uncertain riches” (1 Tim 6:17). James told wealthy backslidden Christians that their gold and silver was “cankered,” or corroded, and could no longer do them any good (James 5:3). Although it was a materially wealthy church, Jesus told the Laodiceans that in His sight they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17). Their worldly status had actually become a hindrance to them.


               Exactly what does it mean to “trust in riches?” It means to rely upon them, and depend on them in the place of God Himself. Those who “trust in riches” see no need to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt 6:11). Given a choice between depending upon riches or trusting in the Lord, they will choose the riches for themselves, withholding them from the Lord. Through Malachi, God charged the people with robbing Him by withholding their tithes (Mal 3:8-10). They saw a certain disadvantage in giving their firstfuits to the Lord.


               In our society, this is a particularly important perspective, for trust in riches is aggressively promoted. Men plan their lives around riches, choosing occupations and involvements that will yield the most money to them. It all may sound quite innocent, but the words of our Lord in this text suggest a great need for sober thinking in this matter.


               ENTERING THE KINGDOM. Entering into the Kingdom of God involves reconciliation to God and partaking of Christ. It is coming to a place where the benefits of that Kingdom can be realized – i.e., righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). Even though men may say it is easy to enter this Kingdom, there is nothing in the Word of God that suggests such a thing. Even apart from riches, the gate is “strait” (difficult), and the way is “narrow” that leads to life (Matt 7:14). When there is an attachment to this world, the matter becomes even more complex. That is why it is sinful beyond imagination to attempt to lure people into an identity with God by entertainment, promises of a good life, as the world counts goodness, and light-hearted anecdotes.


EASIER FOR A CAMEL TO THROUGH A NEEDLES’ EYE

                25 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.”


               As though it was not enough to say those with riches can barely enter the Kingdom (“how hardly shall they that have riches enter” ), the Lord adds, “for hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter,” Jesus adds a further statement on the matter. A threefold warning like this must not be allowed to pass by us. It is something that must be taught among us, and to our children. The church much keep this truth alive and within the reach of all its members.

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               IT IS EASIER. Jesus did not speak like other men – particularly those of this generation. In our culture, the word “easier” speaks of a more convenient way of doing this or that. It further refers to something that is very doable. Jesus speaks of a camel going through the eye of a needle. Some have imagined this refers to a narrow Jerusalem gate through which a camel could not pass without removing all of it baggage, and having it stoop down. This is nothing more than a fable, and contradicts the whole of the text. Using laser technology, a German organization fashioned a needle with a camel passing through its eye. The eye of the needle was 2mm high and .03 mm wide, and the whole display is microscopic. Even in those proportions, the matter was considered quite a feat. However, Jesus is not speaking in hyperbolic language, or of some man-made artifact. This was a real camel and a real needle.


               How would you go about pushing a camel through a needle’s eye? – even if you used a small camel and a big needle? Those who would attempt such a thing would immediately be frustrated, because it would be very apparent that this was something that could not be done without creating something artificial. A real camel and a real needle could not b employed.


               Yet Jesus states that this feat would be easy compared to a rich man entering into the Kingdom of God. A living camel, even of large size, going through a tiny needle’s eye would not even be a challenge, and would be very easy to do – that is, when compared to a rich man entering into the Kingdom of God.


               It is quite true that there have been a few godly people who were rich. Abram was “very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Gen 13:2). Job was a man of substance, described as “the greatest of all men of the east” (Job 1:3). Joseph of Arimathaea was very rich, and a disciple of Jesus we well (Matt 27:57). Zacchaeus was “rich,” and yet sought after Jesus (Lk 19:2). These men are all trophies of God’s rich grace. Their association with the Lord was in spite of their riches, and not because of them. It was more difficult for them to enter the Kingdom than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle!


               Solomon was noted for his riches (1 Kgs 10:23), although he was not noted for his faith or godliness. The phrase “very rich” appears two times in all of Scripture. Abram is the first man so described (Gen 13:2), and the rich man in this passage is the other (Lk 18:23). Other versions describe the wicked man Nabal as “very rich” NKJV (1 Sam 25:2). Barzilla, a certain Gileadite, is also said to have been “very rich” NKJV (2 Sam 19:32). He chose to return to his own country rather than finish out his days in Jerusalem.


               Solomon said, “The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit” (Prov 18:11). That is a natural tendency. It is also why is it exceedingly difficult for a rich man to be saved, or enter into the Kingdom of God. Solomon also said, “The rich man is wise in his own conceit” (Prov 28:11); that is, he views his riches as his ultimate advantage and guarantee of security. On the other hand, David, Solomon’s father, said, “The LORD is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my Strength, in whom I will trust; my Buckler, and the Horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psa 18:2).


                The Lord is noted for sending “the rich . . . away empty” (Lk 1:53). James said the Lord makes “the rich” low (James 1:10), and that the rich man “shall fade away in his ways” (James 1:11). The Spirit testifies that those who have a desire to be rich “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition,” because “the love of money is the root of all [kinds of] evil” (1 Tim 6:9-10). Those with riches are solemnly admonished “that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim 6:17). They are to employ their riches to do good, so they will be “rich in good works” (6:18-19).


               It is good for us to entertain the perspective of Moses, who at one time had access to great riches. Yet, the Scriptures describe him as “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward” (Heb 11:26). That is, in order to participate in the “reproach of Christ,” he had to be willing to forfeit “the treasures of Egypt.” Let no person doubt the words of the Lord Jesus! “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.”


SOMETHING IMPOSSIBLE, YET POSSIBLE

                23 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”


               ASTONISHED OUT OF MEASURE. At this second saying concerning the camel and needle, the disciples were “astonished out of measure,” or “even more amazed,” NIV or “greatly astounded.” NRSV It was difficult enough to hear that the rich could barely be saved at all. But now they have heard that it is “easier” for a hump-backed camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.


               WHO THEN CAN BE SAVED? To them, this has put the matter of salvation out of reach. They began talking among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” NASB Note that they equated entering the Kingdom with being “saved.” So far as they were concerned, this certainly did not sound like salvation was simplistic and easy. Jesus’ words did not lend themselves to that conclusion – even though such a concept is being regularly spouted out in the churches. People are being told to simply bow their heads, repeat a simple prayer, and thereby pass into the Kingdom of God. This can even be done in a group mode, making it all the more convenient. Such teaching only confirms that the ones saying it have not been listening to Jesus. They have given their ears and hearts to some imposter who is not speaking the truth.


               IT IS IMPOSSIBLE. Jesus does not tell His disciples they have misunderstood Him. He “looked upon them,” capturing their attention,” and said “With men it is impossible.” Luke says Jesus put the matter of salvation in the category of “things which are impossible with men” (Lk 18:27). That is, this is not something men can do. It is beyond their capability.


               There have been other men of God who have faced impossible things, and had to learn to reckon upon God. For example, God told aged Abraham that he was going to beget a son through Sarah, his aging and barren wife. At the time, Sarah laughed within herself, seeing the utter impossibility of such a thing from the human point of view. The Lord replied, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Gen 18:11-14). This was clearly something God could do!


               More than five hundred years later, Moses was leading Israel through the wilderness when the people began to cry out for meat. Displeased with their murmuring, the Lord said He was going to give them flesh to eat for “a whole month,” until it came out of their nostrils, and they were tired of it. Moses looked at the situation and replied that the foot soldiers alone numbered 600,000. How could there possibly be enough meat found for them to gorge for thirty days? The Lord replied, “Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether My word shall come to pass unto thee or not” (Num 11:23). Again, in the days of Elisha, during a grievous famine, the Lord revealed “To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria” (2 Kgs 7:1). The king replied, “Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?” Elisha simply replied, “Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof” (2 Kgs 7:2).


               In all of these things, the people were faced with a promise of something humanly impossible. Jesus Is saying salvation is in the same category. If God is not in the matter, it is utterly impossible. Somehow, this notion has not gripped the souls the masses. No person who sees this will delay in doing what the Lord requires. No discerning person will unduly extol the one through whom they have believed, but will see that person as a messenger and servant of God.


               WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. If it were not for God, there would be no need for even speaking about salvation! We are speaking of having a heart of stone removed, and being given a new heart of flesh (Ezek 11:19), and being “born again” (1 Pet 1:23). That is not reformation, but transformation (Rom 12:2) and regeneration (Tit 3;5). It is not a change of habit, but a change of character – a change that continues by increasing stages until we are conformed to the image of God’s Son (2 Cor 3:18; Rom 8;29). It means the person ceases to be what he was, and begins to be someone new, where old things pass away and all things become new (2 Cor 5:17). We are talking about being “begotten of God” (1 John 5:18), “born of God” (1 John 3:9), “born of the Spirit” (John 3:6,8), being “created in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:10), and raised up to sit “in heavenly places” (Eph 2:6). That is some of the involvements associated with entering the Kingdom of God.


               As impossible and unlikely as they may appear, they are all possible with God. As was confirmed to Mary, “with God nothing shall be impossible” – not even a rich man entering the Kingdom of God. This does not guarantee that rich men will enter, for our text places before us a man who did not enter. Why was it He did not enter? It was because he had become entangled in his riches. The same thing happened to Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10). In view of these realities, what can be said of those who hold out wealth as a promised blessing from God? They are making it more difficult at the best, and impossible at the worst, for their listeners to enter the Kingdom of God. Judge for yourself the seriousness of such a thing.