Matthew 19:23-30 NRSVue
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again 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.” 25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
27Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
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Reflection on Matthew 19:23-30
Inspiration from 2025-08-19 Daily Prayer
Jesus says it will be difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, but not impossible, because for God, everything is possible. We are told that the eye of a needle refers to a narrow gate into ancient Jerusalem. The camel has to have its baggage removed to enter through the gate. What is the baggage that we carry, especially from childhood? We pray for true discernment.
Further reflection
Jesus had failed to separate the rich young man from his wealth. The trouble with possessions is that they can too easily possess us. Jesus calls for radical change in our lives, a change that can seem unattainable. However, he reminds us that, while something may seem impossible for mortals, “for God, all things are possible”.
Do I believe that God will ask nothing of me that I am not, with his help, capable of doing?