· 10:26-27: God can do what is impossible for men to do. It is hard for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God but God can make it happen. This is a reminder, that salvation is the work of God. This was known in the OT so this is not a surprise. The LORD is my light, and my salvation (Ps. 27:1). The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation (Ps. 118:14). Behold, God is my salvation (Isa. 12:2). Paul, in 1 Cor. 1:26-29, doesn’t say “not any” but rather “not many” of the great people of the world are chosen. There are some outstanding examples of this in the NT Church. Barnabas was a wealthy man who was a believer and church leader who was known for his ability to comfort others in their times of trial (Ac. 4:36-37; 9:26-27). Philemon was a wealthy businessman, who was seeking to run his business as a Christian in a world dominated by Roman might and Greek wisdom (Philemon 1). Onesiphorus was wealthy and showed Paul hospitality in his home and also sought out Paul to encourage him when he was in prison in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16-18). These all did as we have been told to do, being rich in good works (1 Tim. 6:17-19).
· 10:28-31: Sacrifice in this life will be rewarded. This was Jesus’ response to Peter, who probably spoke for the others. You might have expected Jesus to respond with a reproof, chiding Peter for worrying about future rewards for sacrificial service here on earth. But God rewards faithful service. God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister (Heb. 6:10). Thus, Jesus gives Peter and the others a good answer.
o He promised reward for sacrifice “for My sake and the gospel’s,” repeating what He had called them to in Mk. 8:35: whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.
o What Jesus promises is “abundance.” The “hundredfold” is another hyperbole, unless you actually think Peter will have 100 fathers or mothers or wives, etc. Do take Jesus seriously. He came to give life more abundantly, while Satan will destroy the life of the one who follows him (Jn. 10:10).
o The reward includes good things in this life, mixed with persecutions. And in the age to come, the promise is eternal life, abundance for an eternity.
o Mk. 10:31 in a way sums all this up. Jesus says that at His judgment seat, when the rewards are given, it will be surprising. People in the front of the line in this life will be at the end. In other words, we will be surprised, as the disciples were astonished at this whole conversation (v24).
We are not to set our minds on the reward. So Jesus again reminds the Twelve, and us, that we are on the Calvary Road. Following Him means we submit to Him, denying ourselves and taking up our cross! Let us not get side-tracked with concerns over wealth.
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