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God’s Mission in Matthew And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is very difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.” Again I say to you, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Hearing this the disciples were confused. “Who then can be saved?”
God’s Mission in Matthew Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter asked him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What, therefore, will happen to us?”
God’s Mission in Matthew And Jesus said to them, “ Truly I say to you that in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on his glorious throne, those who follow me will be seated also on the twelve thrones judging the tribes of Israel.
God’s Mission in Matthew And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for the sake of my name, he will receive one hundred-fold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last and last first.
God’s Mission in Matthew • Matthew 19:16-22 records Jesus’ meeting with a wealthy young man • He was ‘religious’ but unwilling to part with his wealth • Many people like to be ‘spiritual’ as long as they can be spiritual on their own terms • We are willing to trust God “sort of” • In 19:23-30 Jesus explodes this mind set • Cf., e.g.,6:19-21, 24; 13:22; 16:24 ff.; Luke 12:16-21
God’s Mission in Matthew • Jesus declares it is extremely difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Why? • The young man in the pervious section helps answer this question • Wealthy people tend to put their confidence in themselves and their possessions • This may be due to pride (‘I earned it’) or fear (‘what if I lose everything?’) • Neither is good
God’s Mission in Matthew • Jesus’ illustration of the camel • This is a classic example of hyperbole • Language exaggerated to the point of impossibility and absurdity in order to drive home a point • Hyperbole was a common technique of Jesus (cf. 7:3-5) • This is not a reference to a gate in the wall of Jerusalem
God’s Mission in Matthew • The Disciples’ reaction is instructive • They are confused • “What? Who then can be saved?” • The common cultural assumption held that wealth was proof of God’s blessing and therefore one’s righteousness • Jesus turns this perspective on its head • Kingdom membership is counter-cultural
God’s Mission in Matthew • With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible • Jesus makes it clear that kingdom membership is the result of God’s activity and expectations • Nothing we can do or achieve warrants membership in the kingdom • Yet God in his mercy and grace makes it possible for people to participate (cf. the next pericope)
God’s Mission in Matthew • With man this is impossible, but with God allthings are possible • This does not mean God can make a square-circle • Logical absurdities are not ‘things’ • It would be very bad news indeed if God could violate his rational nature
God’s Mission in Matthew • Peter’s response is typical • Look at what we have sacrificed • What will we get as a result? • Was he suggesting that it would be unjust to ignore their sacrifices?
God’s Mission in Matthew • Jesus’ response to Peter’s question is merciful • He does not rebuke his failure to see the bigger picture • One should desire mercy not mere justice • He assures them that their sacrifice and commitment will be rewarded • What is promised far surpasses what is given up!
God’s Mission in Matthew • Lest we think, “Boy, those wealthy people better be careful”…
