But what if I like my children and don't want them to die because I've abandoned them?

"Truly I tell you," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." Mark 10: 29-31

Again, there seem to be a risk/reward venture with regard to Jesus and the afterlife. Sure, I could ditch my elderly mother, but maybe I'll get a hundred times better mother in the afterlife. Tough call. If only the Bible presented a clear message that all could agree on and understand.

But how big is the needle?

But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Mark 10: 24-25

Biblical scholars (especially ones that make a lot of money in the God business) understand that Jesus was referring to a REALLY BIG needle.

Jesus: pinko socialist or opportunistic capitalist?

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Mark 10:21

Is Jesus looking out for the poor or giving investment advice? It might be helpful to have a prospectus for the "heaven treasure," in order to make a better determination.