Wealth Makes It Difficult To Follow Jesus
When we think that we can manage without Jesus - we do! Whatever contributes to that state of pride and arrogance is a spiritual obstacle. Wealth in its many forms gives a false sense of security which appears to make faith redundant. So when Jesus said it was 'easier for a camel to go through the eye of a (sewing) needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God', He was saying that naturally speaking it is impossible.
The disciples, who had seen that many very religious people were also quite rich, were shocked. If those people could not be saved then what hope was there for others in Israel? They had grown up with the idea that the more holy a person was, the wealthier they would become. They might have taken Abraham, Jacob, David and Solomon as their examples. Indeed, increased crops, livestock and children were part of the blessings which flowed from obeying the Old Covenant (Deuteronomy 28:1-6).
But Jesus was bringing a New Covenant to make human beings acceptable to God, and with eternal rewards which might never be seen in this life. Faith in His own sacrifice would not be a matter of obeying the law: they needed to admit their sinfulness and cry out for Christ's mercy and grace. No amount of wealth would do. But God can change people's hearts ... indeed that is what He continues to do today. When it happens it is always a miracle - especially where faith has replaced the self-sufficiency of wealth.
There are some believers who have a lot of money and property: but not many (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). When the wealthy are converted it is because God defeats 'the deceitfulness of riches' (Matthew 13:22) which always tries to choke God's Word. But make no mistake - the world, flesh and devil will use anything which pretends to offer security in order to turn people away from the truth of God's Word and the need to submit to Him ... even with those who have started to put their trust in Him. If that is your problem, do away with that false security - as Jesus instructed the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22).
