This is the 13th post as I attempt to
visit everything (pretty much!) Jesus said about money in the gospels over 2
weeks. In order to do this I will be putting up around two posts each day. This
is coinciding with a 2-week preaching series that we are going through at
Community Church Putney- Jesus On Money.
A third of the world’s population live
on £1.20p a day, an average of around £400 a year!
(The global median income is just £800
a year). In the UK average income is £26,000, (Median £20,000). So to
many in the world, many of us are comparatively rich.
Jesus taught, whilst speaking to a rich
young man,
‘Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell
your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because
he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is
hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you,
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who
is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were
greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and
said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”’ (Matthew
19:21-26)
It is hard (but not impossible by God’s
grace!) for the rich to be saved because wealth can create a false sense of
pride, safety and self-sufficiency in those possessing it.
Paul says,
‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor
to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in
God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.’ (1 Timothy
6:17)
The gospel will only be accepted by
those who see their sin and weakness before God, by those who are in
spiritual poverty; this is why Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.
Jesus on money, in this story teaches us
(along with many other things!) that wealth, if not yielded under
the Lordship of Christ, does great harm to us.
Take a moment to ask God to search you: Have you ‘sold
everything and followed’ Jesus? Is all your wealth at Jesus’ disposal?
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