10:23
Jesus then makes the comment to His disciples that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. We need not apply this just to material wealth, though that is the primary application here. Considering ourselves morally righteous, or having a high status in society can also be traps. The problem arises when we consider something we have makes us secure. It is only Christ who makes us secure.
10:24
This teaching astounded the disciples. The general view was that material wealth was a sign of God’s blessing, and a blessing to the righteous. There are obvious echoes in the so-called prosperity gospel. It is significant that Jesus addresses His disciples as “children”, reminding them of the other things that He has been talking about. The kingdom of God is radically different from earthly kingdoms, in all sorts of ways. It was difficult for the rich man to enter the kingdom, but it is actually difficult for all of us. In the Beatitudes Jesus said the kingdom was made for the poor in spirit.
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