The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
October 13, 2024
(Mark 10:23–27, NIV84) “Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 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.” The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.””
Jesus had just told a rich young man that he had to sell all his possessions and give n them to the poor. “He said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” (Mark 10:21, NIV84)
The man had a greater love for things of this world than for God. The disciples missed Jesus’ point – thinking it was really hard to enter heaven and perhaps thinking that extreme poverty leads to heaven. That idea might be part of Roman Catholic thinking about vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for monks and nuns.
Man cannot rely on himself and what he does to enter eternal life. God must work faith.
God must come into the heart and work faith. It isn’t doing anything that gets you to heaven.
1. All depends on our possessing
God's abundant grace and blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart.
He who trusts with faith unshaken
In His God is not forsaken
And e'er keeps a dauntless heart.
3. Many spend their lives in fretting
Over trifles and in getting
Things that have no solid ground.
I shall strive to win a treasure
That will bring me lasting pleasure
And that now is seldom found.
The Lutheran Hymnal 425
Prayer
O Lord, we beseech thee to grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the devil and with pure hearts and minds to follow Thee, the only God. This we ask through Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord. Amen
