LUKE 18:24–30
THE DANGER OF RICHES AND THE REWARD OF DISCIPLESHIP
Text – Luke 18:24–30
24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?”
27 And he said, “What is impossible for human beings is possible for God.”
28 Then Peter said, “We have given up our possessions and followed you.”
29 He said to them, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God
30 who will not receive (back) an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Wealth in ancient Judaism was often associated with God’s blessing, making Jesus’ statement deeply countercultural. The image of a camel—the largest common animal—passing through the eye of a needle was a proverb expressing impossibility. The disciples’ shocked question, “Who can be saved?” reflects the belief that if even the wealthy, seen as blessed, struggle to enter the Kingdom, salvation must be beyond human reach. Jesus affirms this: salvation is indeed impossible by human effort alone. Peter’s comment represents the sacrifices made by the first disciples, who left family, livelihood, and security to follow Christ. Jesus’ promise of abundant return reflects both spiritual blessings now and eternal life to come.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus teaches that attachment to wealth can obstruct entry into God’s Kingdom because it tempts the heart toward self-sufficiency and away from trust in God. Catholic theology clarifies that wealth itself is not condemned; rather, the danger lies in disordered attachment and failure to use possessions for charity and justice. The statement that salvation is impossible for humans but possible for God underscores that grace precedes and enables conversion. Jesus affirms the sacrifices of discipleship, promising that those who surrender worldly attachments for the Gospel receive spiritual family, deeper communion with God, and eternal life. This passage also supports the evangelical counsels embraced in religious life.
Parallels in Scripture
Prv 11:28 – Those who trust in riches will fall.
Mt 6:24 – One cannot serve both God and money.
Mt 19:27–29 – Promise of reward for those who give up everything for Christ.
2 Cor 8:9 – Christ became poor for our sake, enriching us through His poverty.
Heb 11:6 – God rewards those who seek Him.
Key Terms
Wealth – Material possessions that can hinder spiritual freedom.
Eye of a needle – Image of impossibility emphasizing the difficulty of conversion.
Possible for God – Affirmation that salvation is grace-driven, not human achievement.
Overabundant return – Spiritual blessings in the present and fullness of life in eternity.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage appears in weekday Masses and is central to teachings on stewardship, vocation, and the spirituality of poverty. It informs catechesis on detachment, divine grace, and the promises of discipleship. It is also used in religious profession liturgies to highlight the value of renunciation for the Kingdom.
Conclusion
Jesus reveals that salvation is impossible through human effort alone, but God’s grace makes conversion and sanctification possible. Those who surrender earthly attachments for the sake of the Gospel receive abundant spiritual rewards and eternal life.
Reflection
What possessions or securities tempt me to trust in myself rather than in God? Do I believe that God can do the impossible in my life? Jesus invites me to detachment, generosity, and deep trust in His promises.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, free my heart from attachments that hinder my journey to You. Teach me to trust in Your grace, which makes the impossible possible. Strengthen me to surrender all for the sake of Your Kingdom, confident in Your promise of eternal life. Amen.