After teaching about wealth's danger, 'Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!' (περιβλεψάμενος ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγει τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, Πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰσελεύσονται). Jesus 'looked round about' (periblepsamenos, περιβλεψάμενος), scanning His disciples to ensure they heard. The phrase 'they that have riches' (hoi ta chrēmata echontes, οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες) literally means 'those having possessions.' Jesus repeated (from v. 23) that entering God's kingdom with wealth is difficult (dyskolōs, δυσκόλως). Wealth creates obstacles: self-reliance, material comfort, divided affections. The rich young ruler's departure illustrated this—unable to forsake riches for Christ. Jesus' warning challenges prosperity gospel and calls for radical evaluation of our relationship with money.
Historical Context
This teaching followed the rich young ruler's rejection of Jesus' call (vv. 17-22). The man had great possessions and went away sorrowful—unwilling to sell all and follow Jesus. Jesus used this as teaching moment. First-century Jewish theology equated wealth with divine blessing, making Jesus' warning counter-cultural. The disciples' amazement (v. 24, 'astonished at his words') reveals how radical this teaching was. Wealth was considered evidence of God's favor; Jesus taught it often hinders salvation. Early church practiced economic sharing (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37), with wealthy members supporting poor. James condemned favoritism toward rich (James 2:1-7) and pronounced woes on oppressive wealthy (James 5:1-6). Throughout church history, tension exists between accumulating wealth and Jesus' teaching. Contemporary prosperity gospel contradicts Jesus' clear warning about riches' spiritual danger.
Questions for Reflection
How does wealth create spiritual obstacles of self-reliance, comfort, and divided affection that hinder kingdom entrance?
What does Jesus' warning about riches require regarding our relationship with money and possessions?
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Analysis & Commentary
After teaching about wealth's danger, 'Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!' (περιβλεψάμενος ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγει τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, Πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰσελεύσονται). Jesus 'looked round about' (periblepsamenos, περιβλεψάμενος), scanning His disciples to ensure they heard. The phrase 'they that have riches' (hoi ta chrēmata echontes, οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες) literally means 'those having possessions.' Jesus repeated (from v. 23) that entering God's kingdom with wealth is difficult (dyskolōs, δυσκόλως). Wealth creates obstacles: self-reliance, material comfort, divided affections. The rich young ruler's departure illustrated this—unable to forsake riches for Christ. Jesus' warning challenges prosperity gospel and calls for radical evaluation of our relationship with money.