New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 19:23

The Cost of Following

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:23 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 19:23, in plain English

Jesus turns to His disciples and says, 'It is really hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.'

Why it's here

In that culture, wealth was seen as a sign of God's blessing. Jesus is turning that idea completely upside down.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks soberly to His disciples about the spiritual danger of wealth.

Where it sits in the story

After watching the young man walk away, Jesus names the problem. Wealth can make you feel like you don't need God.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus declares to the disciples that it is 'hard' (dyskolōs) for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven — wealth creates spiritual obstacles to dependence on God.

Language and setting

This contradicted prevailing Jewish belief that wealth signified divine blessing and favor.

Voice

Jesus teaches the disciples about the spiritual danger of riches.

Significance

Jesus uses the rich man's departure as a teaching moment, overturning the assumption that wealth equals God's approval.

In context

Matthew 19:21–25

21Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

22When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.

23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.

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