Christ Gives Clarity

Many things Jesus said filled His hearers with amazement, and they marveled.  Our LORD is most credible and His claims were incredible!  Jesus' way of saying things also made an impact on those who listened to Him, for He spoke as one having authority--not as the scribes who cited rabbinical teachings that established precedent.  The chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus in the temple, and John 7:45-46 tells us, "Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?" 46 The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!"

When curiosity was provoked in people, the words of Jesus provided clarity.  After a young man went away sad from Jesus because he was unwilling to part with his money and possessions for Christ's sake, Mark 10:23-27 reads:  "Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  Illusionists are pleased to astonish people with their tricks and leave them guessing how they were able to do what our minds know is utterly impossible, but not Jesus Christ.  He took an opportunity to clarify and give His followers understanding.  When Jesus said it was hard for people who have riches to enter the kingdom of God, they were astonished.  They viewed wealth as blessing and favour from God, so how could it be hard for the rich to enter God's kingdom?

Jesus clarified what He said previously, that it was not the possession of riches but trusting in them that makes it difficult and even impossible for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.  They had just witnessed a rich young man voluntarily pass on the promise of eternal life and riches in heaven because he was pleased with His present life and the temporal benefits of money on earth.  Jesus continued to amaze His disciples when He continued in Mark 10:25-27:  "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Jesus said it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man to enter God's kingdom.  In saying it was "hard," Jesus was saying it was in fact impossible.  No one can earn the right to enter the kingdom of God--even if they give away all their goods.

The disciples were greatly astonished because the illustration showed them how hard entering the kingdom of God was.  They wondered aloud, "Who then can be saved?"  Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Things that are hard or impossible for us are possible with God, and it is good for us to keep this in mind when we imagine anything is difficult for God.  The solution to our impossible problems is not to try to do better but to believe God's word and trust Jesus Christ more.  God is able to change the hearts of men, open our understanding and guide us into all truth by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus does more than teach old dogs new tricks, for He makes us new creations by grace through faith in Him.

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