I have a few thoughts I would like to share with you.
Jesus speaks of counting the cost, picking up your cross and following Him, whole heartedly. Repent (have a change of mind) believe because the Kingdom of God is near. He speaks of trees that do not bear fruit being cut down and thrown into the fire.
Jesus says it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, of course He is right. We are rich, so in light of what Jesus says we have to think very closely about how we live our lives. We have been blessed with a lot of monies, should we spend them on ourselves when Jesus is suffering all over the world. Is this what Jesus means by it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God? Jesus says I am the poor, hungry, homeless, I am the orphan, the widow the oppressed, He says I’m the one in prison and I’m the one who is sick. So really when you look at it, it is Jesus who is suffering all over the world when we are living in luxury and abundance. Does this mean we are not going to be in Heaven because of the way we live and spend money? I’m not sure? Again, Jesus says it is hard for those who are rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Just think hard about having to give up our or your money, what does it make you feel? Does it make you feel upset or angry? How much do we believe and trust God. It is scary to think of things such as theses.
Matt 25 vs 31-46
We have been poisoned by the American Dream, instead of the dream of the Kingdom of God. We focus on pleasing ourselves instead of joining God in his Dream.
Jesus was as poor immigrant carpenter, who never owned anything in his 33yrs of life here on earth but the clothes on his back; he didn’t even have a place to pillow his head at night.