The temptation to rely on material wealth for security, comfort and status is very great. It absolutely appeals to the flesh! So, if you know anyone engaged in far-right Christian politics, please remind them of Matthew 19:16-30–before they block any more government safety net programs.
Jesus gave up the good life “Up There” to be a poor, dark-skinned socialist “Down Here.”
Matthew 19:16-30
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
16 And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what [essentially] good thing shall I do to obtain eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?” 17 Jesus answered, “Why are you asking Me about what is [essentially] good? There is only One who is [essentially] good; but if you wish to enter into eternal life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Jesus, “Which commandments?” And Jesus answered, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false testimony; 19 Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself” [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others]. 20 The young man said to Him, “I have kept all these things [from my youth]; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered him, “If you wish to be perfect [that is, have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies], go and sell what you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” 22 But when the young man heard this, he left grieving and distressed, for he owned much property and had many possessions [which he treasured more than his relationship with God].
23 Jesus said to His disciples, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it is difficult for a rich man [who clings to possessions and status as security] to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth and status] to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were completely [a]astonished and bewildered, saying, “Then who can be saved [from the wrath of God]?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The Disciples’ Reward
27 Then Peter answered Him, saying, “Look, we have given up everything and followed You [becoming Your disciples and accepting You as Teacher and Lord]; what then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, in the renewal [that is, the Messianic restoration and regeneration of all things] when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you [who have followed Me, becoming My disciples] will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first [in this world] will be last [in the world to come]; and the last, first. Read full chapter
Footnotes
- Matthew 19:25 These declarations of Jesus directly contradicted the teaching of the Pharisees that God bestows wealth on those He loves and chooses. If the rich were not automatically granted entrance to God’s kingdom, how could the common man ever be welcomed?
— Matthew 19:16-30, Amplified Bible, at Bible Gateway
Rick Scott Speaks at Notre Dame University
What got to me, what brought on my Sunday sermon, is that I saw Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) boasting on Twitter that he spoke at the University of Notre Dame.
I don’t know if anyone at Notre Dame actually read Scott’s 11-Point Plan to Rescue America, before they invited him to their symposium to talk about protecting families and democracy. I tried to alert Notre Dame (albeit, after the fact).
Since Notre Dame is a Catholic university, scriptures began flooding my mind; scriptures that jive with a people-loving, socialist-like Jesus of the New Testament. Notice the footnote to Matthew 19:25, above. Still, today, many people make a mistake in believing that “God bestows wealth on those He loves and chooses.”
Progressive Graffiti 
Well said. Few American Christians seem to know what god thinks of rich people. Since it’s impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, there are no rich people in heaven.
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