One restaurant waitress in Arizona got a $10,000 tip. Others in Illinois received $5,000 tips from a different customer. They were taking a cue from one wealthy patron who felt waitresses were not getting paid enough. That $10,000 tipper said he wanted to inspire other wealthy people to do the same. Maybe these big tipsters were not the kinds of persons Jesus had in mind as he spoke to his disciples one day. We read this in Matthew 19, “Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Jesus implied that it is hard for the rich to humble themselves; to admit their guilt when they rip off others, especially the poor; and to turn to trust in God. Many rich people-though not all-tend to be proud, self-centered, and fiercely independent. Such people see no need for God. Yet Jesus assured his disciples that while it is difficult, it is not impossible. the said many who are great now will be least important in the future, and those who seem least important now will be great then.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
