Definition: And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 10:24. It’s a really important one about faith and what it takes to reach God. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that it’s really difficult for people who only focus on money and possessions to enter into God’s kingdom (which is essentially Heaven). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the disciples were astonished at his words.” - This means the disciples, who were following Jesus closely, were surprised and maybe even a little shocked by what he said. They've likely been focusing on material things and weren't thinking about God. “But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them…” – Jesus is responding to their questions or concerns. He’s directly addressing them. “…Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” - This is the core of the verse. “Children” refers to the disciples – those who were primarily focused on earthly things. Jesus is asking, "How difficult is it really for people who only chase wealth and possessions to get into Heaven?" What does this mean? It’s suggesting that true happiness and belonging in God's kingdom come from a deeper, more spiritual connection than just money or material goods. It means that lasting fulfillment comes not from what you have , but from who you are – your relationship with God. The Bigger Picture: Jesus is teaching us that true faith and belonging are about something far greater than wealth. It's about a relationship with the divine, a connection to God’s love and purpose in our lives. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger story of Jesus teaching? Discuss the importance of faith over wealth?