Deuteronomy 28:1-12
Read Deuteronomy 28:1-12
Helpful Background Information:
In our primary text for this week, Mark 10:13-31, a rich man declines an offer to follow Jesus when he learned that doing so would cost him his riches (10:22). In response, Jesus notes how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (10:23-24). The disciples are shocked to hear this from Jesus, and begin to wonder: If the rich man who followed the law couldn’t be saved, who could?
It’s important to understand that many of the people in and around Jesus’ day assumed that if a person was materially rich they were also morally righteous. So much so, that some believed a person’s wealth was evidence of God’s blessing and endorsement. In some ways, this confusion can be traced back to certain passages in the Old Testament. One example is found in Deuteronomy. This is a book where Moses speaks his final words and urges Israel to listen to God. Near the end of the book, the people are promised that they will be blessed if they obey God and cursed if they disobey Him.
It's no surprise, then, that the disciples were surprised when Jesus said that it's actually harder for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God’s blessing. They would have assumed the rich man who approached Jesus was on the right track. However, Jesus clarifies that salvation and entrance into God’s kingdom is simply not possible with man (v.27a). Jesus makes it clear that what they need most can only come as a gracious gift from God (v.27b).
Reflection Questions:
Today, there are still some people who assume that rich people are automatically righteous and others who assume rich people are necessarily corrupt. Which is your natural inclination? Why might that be?
Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus’ words push back on both of these assumptions. No one can enter the kingdom simply by being materially rich or poor. In every case, salvation depends on God’s grace. Why do you think this was especially difficult for the rich man in Mark 10 to accept?
In Deuteronomy, people weren’t blessed by God because they were rich and successful. Instead, they were blessed because they were faithful. The way God blesses His people often looks different than what we often expect. Finish by reading through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11, and ask God to give you a desire for the kinds of blessings He gives (e.g. receiving the kingdom, being comforted, receiving mercy, seeing God, etc.)