Mark 10:23-27 highlights the challenge of wealth and the necessity of trust in God, showing that salvation is only made possible through His power, not by human merits.
As we witness And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! (v. 23), we see the Lord addressing His followers after a wealthy man walked away saddened by Jesus’ instruction to sell his possessions. Jesus wanting to instruct His disciples taught them that clinging to riches can hinder one’s devotion to God. At this point, Jesus was traveling through the regions east of the Jordan River (often referred to as Perea), on His way to Jerusalem. By highlighting the difficulties a wealthy person faces in pursuing God wholeheartedly, Jesus underscores how riches can become an obstacle in trusting and serving the Lord.
The phrase "how hard it will be" does not necessarily condemn possessing wealth, but it cautions against allowing riches to occupy the central focus of one’s life. Scripture frequently warns about the potential dangers of wealth, teaching that the love of money can become a spiritual snare (see 1 Timothy 6:101 Timothy 6:10 commentary). Jesus’ words thus serve as a gentle, yet urgent, reminder for disciples of every era to prioritize their relationship with God over the vanity of material possessions.
By looking around at His disciples, Jesus makes this statement personal and relevant. He opens their eyes to a vital truth: anyone, rich or otherwise, must count the cost of following Him. Although wealth can be a practical blessing, it must never be elevated above obedience and faith toward God.
Next, The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! (v. 24). The disciples’ amazement suggests that they were grappling with a worldview in which a person’s riches might have been seen as evidence of God’s favor. Their cultural background likely told them that prosperity pointed to divine approval, so hearing Jesus speak so strongly about the inherent danger of wealth surprised them.
When Jesus responds by calling them “Children,” He shows both affection and authority, reminding them that they are in need of guidance like beloved students under a wise teacher. His reaffirmation of the challenge of entering God’s kingdom drives home the point that salvation comes not through human ability or self-sufficiency, but through God’s gracious provision. The disciples’ amazement reveals that the Lord’s kingdom perspective often differs from the assumptions we hold in our hearts.
Moreover, Jesus’ statement underscores the sincerity and humility needed in approaching God. Disciples of every generation should consider whether they rely upon their resources or upon God Himself. Jesus lovingly dismantles misplaced confidence so that His followers can abide in genuine trust.
Jesus goes on to declare, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (v. 25). This vivid picture contrasts something enormous—a camel—with something minuscule—an eye of a needle—to illustrate how profoundly difficult it can be for one who places hope in wealth to surrender fully to the Almighty. The eye of a needle may be referring to a small human sized gate inside of a larger camel sized gate that were common in ancient cities.
Jesus intends to penetrate hearts, so that each person hearing these words realizes the radical dependence we must have upon God. When possessions become the anchor of one’s identity, that heart finds it nearly impossible to embrace the humility required for salvation and discipleship.
Jesus’ illustration also calls upon the listener to take stock of their priorities. Disciples must be willing to lay down anything—wealth, status, or personal ambition—in order to place themselves wholly at the feet of their Savior, recognizing that the kingdom of God is not purchased by human means, but entered by God’s grace.
Then, we see the disciples’ reaction: They were even more astonished and said to Him, Then who can be saved? (v. 26). Their exclamation captures genuine shock and concern. They likely wonder if anyone, even the devout or those perceived as favored by God, can meet such stringent requirements for salvation.
This question may echo through every generation of believers who feel their own inability to prove worthy of God’s kingdom. The disciples begin to realize that entrance into the kingdom is not about storing up earthly assets or good works. It is about God’s own power and mercy at work in a willing heart.
The disciples’ astonishment invites them—and by extension, us—to ask the same question: If human goodness or prosperity cannot guarantee salvation, is there hope for anyone? Their bewilderment sets the stage for Jesus’ profound answer that points directly to the core of the gospel.
Finally, Jesus answers with hope: Looking at them, Jesus said, With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God. (v. 27). He focuses their eyes on the source of true salvation: God alone. Human efforts, achievements, or resources fall short, but God’s mighty hand can accomplish what we cannot. This reminds us that salvation is a divine gift rather than a human enterprise.
By emphasizing God’s power, Jesus realigns the disciples’ perspective. Throughout history, from the days of Abraham around 2000 BC to Jesus’ own ministry in roughly AD 30, God has always been the One to initiate redemption. In the Old Testament, God’s covenant with Abraham was built on promise, not Abraham’s human ability (Genesis 15:6Genesis 15:6 commentary). This same principle is carried forward by Jesus, who offers new life to those who place their trust in Him.
Jesus’ concluding words provide lasting comfort for every follower: when doubt surfaces and resources appear inadequate, the faithful can remember that with God, even a camel can pass through the eye of a needle. In other words, salvation comes by His grace, dependent on the willingness of the believer to rely on the limitless possibility of God.
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Mark 10:23-27 meaning
As we witness And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! (v. 23), we see the Lord addressing His followers after a wealthy man walked away saddened by Jesus’ instruction to sell his possessions. Jesus wanting to instruct His disciples taught them that clinging to riches can hinder one’s devotion to God. At this point, Jesus was traveling through the regions east of the Jordan River (often referred to as Perea), on His way to Jerusalem. By highlighting the difficulties a wealthy person faces in pursuing God wholeheartedly, Jesus underscores how riches can become an obstacle in trusting and serving the Lord.
The phrase "how hard it will be" does not necessarily condemn possessing wealth, but it cautions against allowing riches to occupy the central focus of one’s life. Scripture frequently warns about the potential dangers of wealth, teaching that the love of money can become a spiritual snare (see 1 Timothy 6:101 Timothy 6:10 commentary). Jesus’ words thus serve as a gentle, yet urgent, reminder for disciples of every era to prioritize their relationship with God over the vanity of material possessions.
To read our article on Money and Possessions click here.
By looking around at His disciples, Jesus makes this statement personal and relevant. He opens their eyes to a vital truth: anyone, rich or otherwise, must count the cost of following Him. Although wealth can be a practical blessing, it must never be elevated above obedience and faith toward God.
Next, The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! (v. 24). The disciples’ amazement suggests that they were grappling with a worldview in which a person’s riches might have been seen as evidence of God’s favor. Their cultural background likely told them that prosperity pointed to divine approval, so hearing Jesus speak so strongly about the inherent danger of wealth surprised them.
When Jesus responds by calling them “Children,” He shows both affection and authority, reminding them that they are in need of guidance like beloved students under a wise teacher. His reaffirmation of the challenge of entering God’s kingdom drives home the point that salvation comes not through human ability or self-sufficiency, but through God’s gracious provision. The disciples’ amazement reveals that the Lord’s kingdom perspective often differs from the assumptions we hold in our hearts.
Moreover, Jesus’ statement underscores the sincerity and humility needed in approaching God. Disciples of every generation should consider whether they rely upon their resources or upon God Himself. Jesus lovingly dismantles misplaced confidence so that His followers can abide in genuine trust.
Jesus goes on to declare, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (v. 25). This vivid picture contrasts something enormous—a camel—with something minuscule—an eye of a needle—to illustrate how profoundly difficult it can be for one who places hope in wealth to surrender fully to the Almighty. The eye of a needle may be referring to a small human sized gate inside of a larger camel sized gate that were common in ancient cities.
Jesus intends to penetrate hearts, so that each person hearing these words realizes the radical dependence we must have upon God. When possessions become the anchor of one’s identity, that heart finds it nearly impossible to embrace the humility required for salvation and discipleship.
Jesus’ illustration also calls upon the listener to take stock of their priorities. Disciples must be willing to lay down anything—wealth, status, or personal ambition—in order to place themselves wholly at the feet of their Savior, recognizing that the kingdom of God is not purchased by human means, but entered by God’s grace.
Then, we see the disciples’ reaction: They were even more astonished and said to Him, Then who can be saved? (v. 26). Their exclamation captures genuine shock and concern. They likely wonder if anyone, even the devout or those perceived as favored by God, can meet such stringent requirements for salvation.
This question may echo through every generation of believers who feel their own inability to prove worthy of God’s kingdom. The disciples begin to realize that entrance into the kingdom is not about storing up earthly assets or good works. It is about God’s own power and mercy at work in a willing heart.
The disciples’ astonishment invites them—and by extension, us—to ask the same question: If human goodness or prosperity cannot guarantee salvation, is there hope for anyone? Their bewilderment sets the stage for Jesus’ profound answer that points directly to the core of the gospel.
Finally, Jesus answers with hope: Looking at them, Jesus said, With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God. (v. 27). He focuses their eyes on the source of true salvation: God alone. Human efforts, achievements, or resources fall short, but God’s mighty hand can accomplish what we cannot. This reminds us that salvation is a divine gift rather than a human enterprise.
By emphasizing God’s power, Jesus realigns the disciples’ perspective. Throughout history, from the days of Abraham around 2000 BC to Jesus’ own ministry in roughly AD 30, God has always been the One to initiate redemption. In the Old Testament, God’s covenant with Abraham was built on promise, not Abraham’s human ability (Genesis 15:6Genesis 15:6 commentary). This same principle is carried forward by Jesus, who offers new life to those who place their trust in Him.
Jesus’ concluding words provide lasting comfort for every follower: when doubt surfaces and resources appear inadequate, the faithful can remember that with God, even a camel can pass through the eye of a needle. In other words, salvation comes by His grace, dependent on the willingness of the believer to rely on the limitless possibility of God.