Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 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!” [Mark 10.23-25]
You know, if we really cared anything about Jesus' words and doing God's will in this life, shouldn't we see more attention paid to this important statement by Jesus?
Note the disciples' response:
The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. [Mark 10.26]
And particularly Peter's response:
Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. [Mark 10.28]
We know the rest of the dialog that Jesus confirmed that those who gave up "stuff" in life would indeed inherit the Kingdom of God.
But, here is what we need to pay attention to: for as much as we understand, at least Peter, James, and John gave up their occupations to follow Jesus. And, based on "the disciples'" response however, even having left occupations, some of them still questioned whether they were qualified to inherit the Kingdom!
Here is my point. If the disciples, who gave up all to follow Jesus, questioned whether or not they were qualified to enter the Kingdom, why would we, who have given up nothing, think we are?
Why do we always think we are the exception?
Tough words for a Sunday morning!
Father, help me to lose my 'exception' allowance in my mind for myself.
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