Jesus’ Wealth Warning: Will Your Money Keep You Out of Heaven?預覽

Do we really need to give up EVERYTHING?

The preceding sections have likely been increasingly difficult. Each of Jesus’ teachings that we looked at seemed to be only more difficult, more impossible than the previous one. In this last reading, Jesus lays out what might be his most difficult teaching yet:

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. – Luke 14:33

Wait — give up everything?

That’s a hard teaching. No wonder many people either ignore this verse or try to soften its meaning. But Jesus meant what He said.

The word “everything” in this verse is key. It does mean that nothing – absolutely nothing – should come before Jesus.

This verse is about control.

Your life, your plans, your relationships — everything must be surrendered. Jesus isn’t looking for half-hearted followers. He wants full commitment.

Most of us want Jesus AND our comfortable life.

But Jesus says, “Choose.” The road is narrow, but the reward is eternal:

“Enter through the narrow gate.For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.“ – Matthew 7:13-14

Letting go is terrifying. It feels like losing, but in reality, it’s gaining. When you give up control, you gain Christ. When you let go of earthly things, you grab hold of eternity. You can’t hold both.

Sadly, Christianity is often presented as something that adds to your life—bringing peace, purpose, and joy. While that is true, following Jesus is costly. Look at how Jesus called His disciples:

• Peter, James, and John left their fishing business to follow Him.
• Matthew walked away from his tax-collecting career.
• Paul gave up his status and prestige.

These people didn’t just add Jesus to their lives — they gave up everything to follow Him.

If we’re not willing to let go, then Jesus says we can’t truly be His disciples.

This verse is difficult, especially since it demands a response. We can’t ignore it. We have to decide. Decide to surrender everything – all control, all money, all relationships – everything we hold dear, and give Jesus the first place in our lives.

Following Jesus and giving our heart to Him comes ahead of everything else. That includes your career, sports, entertainment, friends, and yes... even your family!

Even more strongly, anything that stands in the way or distracts us from following the “narrow path” that Jesus calls us to, must go. Everything.

And when you honestly and truly clear away all that distracts and surrender all to him, then you will capture what He promised all along — true life, real freedom, and treasure in heaven that will never fade.

Are you holding onto something tighter than you’re holding onto Jesus? Let it go. Nothing is worth more than Him.