Scripture:

Luke 18:25-27　For it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And those who heard said, Then who can be saved? But He said, The things that are impossible with men are possible with God.

I. Two rich men:

  1. The rich man mentioned in Luke 18 was a young, moral official, respected by men. The rich man in Luke 19 was an old, despised official, rejected by the Jews of that time.
  2. Both of them loved their wealth dearly.

II. The honorable rich man:

  1. The young ruler in Luke 18 was one who was wealthy, moral, and seemingly benevolent. Because he was wealthy and charitable, he paid attention to the matter of good work.
  2. Then the Lord brought him to the realization of his lack. He felt that he had kept all the commandments, but the Lord said that he lacked one thing, that is, to sell all that he had and distribute it to the poor and then come and follow the Lord.
  3. When that rich man heard what he lacked, he went away sorrowful. He went away because: (1) toward men, he was wealthy but really not charitable, because he could not distribute his wealth to the poor; and (2) toward God, he had an idol in his heart.
  4. You may have obeyed the Ten Commandments, but according to the reality, no one can obey the Ten Commandments. Are there absolutely no idols in your heart? Toward men, is your heart full of love? Since no man can attain to that level, it is impossible with men.

III.  The despised rich man:

  1. Here the rich man was rich but not good. He specialized in scandal and deceit.
  2. He wanted to see Jesus, but actually, Jesus saw him first. When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and saw him. He called him by name and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down”. Among so many people Jesus called only Zaccheus, because Zaccheus had a heart for Him.
  3. When he heard Jesus, he received Him joyfully.
  4. After he received Jesus into him, something happened. Immediately, he said, “Lord.” Jesus became his Lord. “Behold, the half of my possessions, Lord, I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore four times as much” (v. 8). Now he is rich and charitable. He has forsaken the idol. This power did not come from himself but came as a result of his receiving Jesus.
  5. The Lord said, “Today salvation has come to this house” (v. 9). Where Jesus is, there is salvation. Mere letters are something dead; the more you study them, the more you are dead. But as soon as Jesus comes in, man is saved.
  6. It is possible with God.