Sunday’s
Gospel is a continuation of last week’s. After the rich young man went away
sorrowful, Jesus takes the opportunity to educate His disciples in the barrier
that great wealth poses to one’s salvation. The temptation is to trust in the
riches, rather than the rest. In fact, it is impossible, not only for the
wealthy, but for anyone to earn His salvation by any means, even good
works. Who can be saved? they ask. Who, indeed? No one can, if he relies on
himself. It is only by God’s grace that anyone can be saved, for all things
are possible with God.
Jesus predicts His trial,
execution, and resurrection for the third time, while walking boldly to His
death. Jesus goes to die the sinners' death, accepting the Law's penalty in our
place. Faith looks to Christ crucified and risen and says, "for me!"
Luther - "Who is this "me?" It is I, an accursed and damned
sinner, who was so beloved by the Son of God that He gave Himself for me."
(AE 26:176)
By
the Voluntary Poverty of Christ, We Enter the Kingdom of God
It is difficult “for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God”
(Mark 20:23). Indeed, it is impossible for man, and yet, “All things are
possible with God” (Mark 20:27). Thus, the Rich Man, Jesus Christ, has made
Himself poor and has gone through “the eye of a needle,” through death
and the grave, “to enter the kingdom of God” on our behalf (Mark
20:24–25).[1]
[1] Lectionary summary from LCMS Commission on Worship
[2] Lutheran Service Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House
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