Give to the poor!

Mark 10: 13-24 v 23 “Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “how hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!”

As Jesus was starting to go to Jerusalem a man came running to Him. “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And like a good teacher he asked the man a question in return “Why do you call me good?” Then he recited the commandments. The man said “Teacher, I have obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” Looking at the man Jesus felt genuine love for him, so He told him to “Go sell all you have and come follow me.” At this the mans face fell and he went away sad. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “how hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” It is easier for a camel to go though the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

A man came running to Jesus. Someone who had followed His commands for his entire life. Jesus felt an instant connection to Him and told him to go sell all he owned, give it to the poor and come follow me. The man went away sad as he had many possessions. Jesus still looked for the man but was also sad as he came up with an impossible image of a camel going through the eye of a needle. Jesus realized it is hard for a rich person, someone who has lots of good things in this life, to give up everything and follow Jesus, even if the reward is eternal life.

As we celebrate all the good things we have this weekend make sure that we also follow Jesus and give to the poor.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for all that we have as we make you the center of our lives. Help us to give generously to the poor and to those around us as a demonstration of the love you feel for us. Amen.