Luke 18:24-30
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Recall that a wealthy religious leader just walked away sad when Jesus challenged him to put God before his riches. Then read Luke 18:24-30 noting anything that stands out as you read
The English translation of this passage leaves out an important fact – Jesus was also saddened when the wealthy man walked away, and his comments to the disciples are in response to that sadness. The metaphor he uses – a camel trying to go through the eye of a needle – is most likely just Jesus’ way of expressing what he is feeling in the moment and not a reference to an actual camel and a gate called “the eye of the needle.”
Jesus longs for us to lay aside the barriers that keep us from experiencing true life – the life God intended us to live. But as long as we are distracted, holding on to our little gods, we can’t open our hands and receive the blessings of the Kingdom.
Stop to let this sink in for a moment. Then recall Jesus’ words as recorded in John’s Gospel:
“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” – John 10:9-10
Read Luke 18:24-30 again noting anything new that stands out.
The disciples are shaken by Jesus’ words, and not surprisingly, it is Peter who speaks what the others are probably thinking. The Greek word that is translated “home” in Peter’s exclamation conveys more than just a physical dwelling. Peter is declaring that he and the other disciples have given up all that they own to follow Jesus. And though they don’t completely understand it now, Jesus assures them that they, and anyone else who gives up earthly gain for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will receive much more in return than they can imagine.
It seems the emptier we come to Jesus, the more we are able to receive.
What might God be inviting you to release today so that you could experience more of God’s Kingdom? Get still and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about this. Talk openly with Jesus about anything that comes to mind expressing any fears or reservations you have.
Then get quiet and listen.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
