What Jesus Did! 'The Danger of Riches' — Luke 18:24-25

Friday, October 27, 2023

When Jesus saw [that the rich man was sad when told he should surrender his wealth to help the poor, Jesus] said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, 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!"
— Luke 18:24-25 NLT

Key Thought

While material riches can be a great blessing and can be used to bless many in need and to do great things for the Kingdom, riches may also be a trap for us. The Gospel of Luke lets us hear Jesus teach repeatedly about the danger of riches. [1] Jesus' point here is that riches can be an incredible danger to the heart of believers. This rich man was the living example of this danger. As the apostle Paul warned, greed and a desire for riches can become idolatry and destroy us. [2] Let's make sure that every area of our lives, including our use of material things, is yielded to the lordship of Jesus.

[1] Luke 1:52-53, 6:20, 24, 38, 8:14, 12:15-21, 12:31-34, 16:13-15, 18:22-23.
[2] Colossians 3:5-6.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for your many material blessings. Help me use these blessings to your glory. I do not want anything to interfere with my total devotion to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Possible!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "In fact, 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!" Those..."
As a Child!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, When you read the verses below, I want you to notice My interactions with My disciples regarding a rich public official who turned..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 18:24-25 NLT — "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, 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!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, October 27, 2023

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Extraordinary God!'
"Dear Child of God, What is your greatest need? Seems like a simple question, doesn't it? But when you look deeper, the events in the verses below..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Stand Strong in Faith to Defeat Satan'
"Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy, goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat. Refuse to give in to him, by..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Source of All Comfort' (2 Co. 1:3-4)
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Metamorphosis' (2 Co. 3:16-18)
"But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away [a veil like the metaphorical veil that kept the Jews from understanding the old covenant]. For....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!