The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 19 Part 4 Rich People See No Need Of Salvation

Jesus began this chapter of Matthew's gospel by answering a question that was designed to entrap Him with His words.

The Pharisees followed the traditions of men by permitting divorce for almost any reason.

Jesus made the original intent of God very clear. Marriage was a covenant relationship between one man and one woman for life.

Moses permitted divorce for the reason of adultery because the men had obstinate spirits of rebellion against God.

Jesus brought back the right view of marriage that honored God and protected families.

His disciples said that it was good to remain unmarried but Jesus showed why their reaction was wrong.

Next, the disciples displayed a bit of hard heartedness by turning away parents who brought their small children to Christ for His blessing.

Jesus made it clear that they were to bring the little children to Him.

Next, after answering the rich young ruler's question about obtaining eternal life, Jesus used the tenth commandment to expose his covetous heart.

Therefore, the rich young ruler left and was very sad because he loved the world and riches instead of loving God and others.

Jesus added some additional explanation so that His disciples could understand how wealth, land, or status is a great hindrance to a rich person being born again into the family of God.

Matthew 19:23  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

Mark 10:23  And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 

When the young man was gone, Jesus took the opportunity to make some righteous observations for the instruction of His disciples. 

Mark's gospel tells us that Jesus "looked round about" with concern because the rich, young ruler turned away from repentant faith in Christ, to continue on a path that led to eternal destruction.

Jesus said this to impress upon their minds and focus their attention on what He was about to say.

The words "A rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven" mean not entering into the spirit and blessings of the Gospel now, and through them into God's kingdom later. 

Earthly riches are a great obstacle to salvation  because those who are wealthy, tend to put all their trust and confidence in riches, possessions and status.

Thus, rich people who live in great comfort, do not see any need of salvation because all of their temporal needs and material comforts are amply supplied.

This is why the apostle John warned the church that those who love the world do not have the love of the Father in them (See 1 John-2:15).

Deuteronomy 8:10-14  When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 11  Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12  Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13  And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14  Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 

Moses gave the law of God a second time to the generation of Hebrews who would enter and possess the land God promised to give them.

The promised land is always described as a good land with brooks of water, and many fountains or springs.

It is a land that yields abundant grains like wheat and barley.

It contained productive vineyards yielding grapes,  and orchards producing olives, figs and pomegranates. 

It is a land where honey, bread and olive oil can be made in copious quantities.

It is a land that has valuable raw materials like iron and brass (See Deuteronomy 8:1-9).

Because all of that is true, God warned His people not to forget that He is the source of all these rich blessings.

Moses describes the heart of the rich, young ruler who spoke to Jesus.

Those who are wealthy, having land and abundant natural resources, tend to forget that God gave all of it to them.

They ate until they were full.

They built well constructed homes and their herds rapidly multiplied.

They acquired much wealth in the form of gold and silver.

Many of the Hebrews had hearts lifted up with pride because of their wealth, possessions and property.

Thus, the Holy Spirit guided words from 3,500 years ago accurately describe Israel's past and the state of the rich, young ruler's heart.

This is why Jesus said it is very difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:24  And again I say unto you, 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. 

Jesus used a camel to illustrate this important truth. 

When the Jews expressed anything that was rare or unusual, difficult or impossible, they used a saying like this.

If we were to look at a sewing needle and it's "eye" where thread is inserted, we quickly grasp the utter impossibility of a large beast like a camel ever being threaded through such a small opening.

A rich man attempting to enter the kingdom of God is compared with trying to thread the massive body of a camel through the small eye of a needle.

It shows the great difficulty for a wealthy person to repent and be saved.

Matthew 19:25-26  When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.  

Mark 10:27  And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 

When Jesus' disciples heard this saying, they were astonished and exclaimed "Who then can be saved?"

Jesus said that if salvation was in the hands of sinful men, then it is impossible for anyone to be saved.

This connects with the rich, young ruler's question about what good work he could do to earn eternal life.

No one can do enough good things in this life that could ever atone for all the sins we have committed.

This is why salvation must be entirely of God and from God. 

This is why Mark's gospel tells us that conversion of a wealthy person to Christ is not impossible with God, for with God all things are possible.

This is why Jesus was born of a virgin, so that the blood of God formed in His veins, to be an eternal and infinite payment for the sins of all humanity for all time.

This is why the core message of the gospel of Christ is repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel 11:19-20  And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20  That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 

This is why God must give us a new heart to replace our old, hard and rebellious heart. 

This is why God must give us a new spirit through the regenerating work of His own Spirit, who abides with each Christian.

1 Timothy 6:6-8  But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

The apostle Paul reminds us of the folly of seeking to accumulate more wealth and more possessions.

We must learn to seek godliness in our walk with the Lord and be content with whatever He has given to us, whether a great amount or a widow's mite. 

Our focus must be seeking first the kingdom of God because we were born with nothing and we will not carry anything with us into the next world.

If we have the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter met, then let us be content.

1 Timothy 6:17-19  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 

As you read through the book of Acts, it is clear the the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, even for those who are wealthy.

Some wealthy people believed the gospel and were born again and this is why Paul gave them clear instruction with regard to their riches.

They must not become high-minded and think that they are above believers who were poor.

They were warned not to trust in their riches but to fully trust and depend upon the Living God.

They were to do good in their local church, and have hearts willing to help those in need.

Luke 8:3  And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. 

Luke mentioned Joanna and Susanna along with other women of means who supported Jesus in His ministry.

Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy disciple of Jesus Christ who supported Him (See Matthew 27:57).

The book of Acts mentions how Lyddia supported the apostle Paul when she was converted to Christ at Philippi (See Acts 16).

We see that this happened when the church was birthed at the Day of Pentecost (See Acts 2:45; 4:32).

Psalm 3:8  Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. 

Psalm 37:39-41  But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 40  And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Salvation is the work of God. 

The grace of God brings it to us and the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation even to the point of converting a rich person to saving faith in Jesus.

Thus, we are reminded hat we are to be good stewards of whatever God entrusts to us.

Those who are born again and wealthy, are to be good stewards, recognizing that their wealth is a gift from God to be used to meet needs in local churches.

May the Lord in heaven help us to apply these truths to the way that we live and the decisions that we make.

Bob