New Testament
Luke 18:24
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Jesus saw how sad he was and said, "How hard it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of God!
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And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
What Luke 18:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus observes a wealthy man who is deeply saddened by the idea of giving up his riches to follow Him. Jesus uses this moment to teach about the challenges that wealth can create in a person's spiritual life. He emphasizes that it is difficult for those who are attached to their riches to enter the kingdom of God. This is not to say that wealth itself is evil, but rather that the love of money and the security it provides can become barriers to faith and reliance on God. Jesus highlights the need for humility and a willingness to let go of material possessions in order to fully embrace a life of faith. The sorrow of the rich man illustrates the struggle many face when confronted with the demands of discipleship, reminding us that true treasure lies in our relationship with God, not in our earthly possessions.
How to apply Luke 18:24 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own relationship with money and possessions. Are we allowing our wealth to hinder our spiritual growth? We should strive to prioritize our faith and be willing to let go of material attachments that distract us from following Christ wholeheartedly.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18–30)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
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Keep studying Luke 18:24
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 18:24 mean?
Luke 18:24 highlights Jesus' observation of a wealthy man who is saddened by the idea of giving up his riches. Jesus teaches that it is challenging for those who are attached to their wealth to enter the kingdom of God, emphasizing the spiritual barriers that material possessions can create.
What is the meaning of riches in Luke 18:24?
In Luke 18:24, 'riches' refer to material wealth and possessions that can lead to attachment and distraction from spiritual growth. Jesus points out that the love of money can hinder one's ability to fully commit to following Him.
How does Luke 18:24 relate to discipleship?
Luke 18:24 relates to discipleship by showing that true commitment to following Jesus may require sacrificing material wealth. It emphasizes the need for humility and the willingness to let go of possessions that can distract from a relationship with God.
What lessons can we learn from Luke 18:24?
From Luke 18:24, we learn the importance of examining our relationship with wealth and possessions. It encourages us to prioritize our faith and be open to letting go of material attachments that may hinder our spiritual growth.
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