Matthew 19: 16 – 30, The rich and the kingdom of God.

After Jesus speaks ‘about the little children belonging to the Kingdom of heaven”. He starts to talk about the kingdom of God. A man comes to meet Jesus and asked him, ‘Teacher, what good things must I do to get eternal life?”

Jesus answered, “there is only one who is GOOD, and that’s Elohim the father. this was his answer to the “GOOD” question.

Thy kingdom of God is brought here on earth, how? “Our father who is in heaven thy kingdom come and thy will be done on earth as it in heaven”. Gods will, is for us to keep his commands, so Jesus fulfilled all his commands thereby bringing the heavenly kingdom on earth.

Jesus further elucidates that to enter life, he needs to keep the commandments. The young man tells Jesus he has kept all the commands. Then, Jesus now asks a different question, if you want to be perfect (as the Law) go and sell your belonging.

Jesus answered 3 questions 1) who is Good? 2) how to enter the kingdom of God 3) how to be perfect (holy) as Elohim.

For one to enter into the kingdom of God, one must recognize only God as good only, to enter to life one must keep the commands of God, be perfecting their faith to be perfect as our heavenly father is. The young man walked away, as Jesus saw this, he said it will be HARD for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God, but not impossible, he likens to a Camel going through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.

Apparently being God is the only one who is good and once we recognize this, is the kingdom of God near to us. Apparently, the young man thought keeping the commands made him good and could recognize God as good only. The most a man can be is righteous, blameless but no one is good. However, the young man thought because he kept the commands, he was a good person, but to enter the kingdom of God one is supposed to repent (see their sin and have a change of heart) and see they were not good. A thing the young man could not see.

The disciples then asked then asked Jesus, WHO CAN BE SAVED; Jesus answered, God is able to make all things POSSIBLE (through himself), but with an it is IMPOSSIBLE. We are saved not because of our ability but because of God mercy (Jesus). We are saved not of ourselves; it is the free gift of God (Jesus) lest any of us should boast. Ephesians 2: 8- 22.

Jesus then tells the disciples that they would judge the 12 tribes of Israel, as there are 12 thrones (except Judas). Jesus says everyone that leaves houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother or wife or children or fields for his sake will receive a hundred times as much and inherit eternal life (see the beatitudes, Matthew 10:37-39, God is a jealous God, place no other above him).

Take away deductions – 1 timothy 6: 16

when Jesus said it is HARD FOR a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, do you know why? First, Timothy begins some can be eager for wealth or money and pierce themselves with many sorrows. I timothy 6: 10. Proverbs 10:22. Godly wealth maketh rich and adds no sorrow to it. Suffering for Christ is different from Sorrow. So, there are riches that bring pain. Timothy further says that many who want to get rich fall into temptations and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people to ruin. 1 timothy 6: 9.

So, how do people know their desires are not right? I Timothy 6 vs 11 when it is not godly, founded in what is right in the sight of God (righteousness), love, faith (not fear), endurance and gentleness.

How this affects people who go after riches with sorrow:

From 1 timothy 6 vs 17 – 20

They become arrogant because of their riches, the put their hope in wealth (much like young man above), instead of placing their hope in God. (This is why Jesus said it will be HARD for a rich man to make heaven). He then commands them that are rich to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share. This is why Jesus asked the young man to give all his wealth. He meant that by giving all his wealth, he would lay up treasures for a firm foundation in the coming age. So, they can take hold of life that is truly life. Asking us to guard against godless chatter (talks that does not bring godliness), opposing the ideas of what is FALSE called knowledge that has caused some to depart from the faith. So, apparently in verse 4, these conceited people have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that cause constant friction leading to a corrupt mind bringing suspicions, malice and strife.

Excerpts

The grace of Jesus has been given to us before the beginning of time and is revealed to us, through Jesus Christ who brings us to life. 2 timothy 1 vs 9

we are brought to life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 timothy 1: 10)

May the lord show us mercy, as we fan the flame of the gift God has given us, through his spirit. As we suffer for the gospel, he has saved us and is calling us to a holy life in his son, so, he (Yeshua) must increase as we decrease.

Indeed, Narrow is the way that leads to life and there be very few that find it. Matthew 7: 14.