Scripture

“In fact 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”

Observation

After Jesus finishes talking with the rich young man, he tells his disciples that it is hard for rich people to enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus goes on to say that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.

The disciples are amazed, and they ask, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replies that humanly speaking this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.

Peter says, “Lord, we have given up everything for you.”

Jesus replies that anyone who gives up family or possessions for God’s kingdom, will receive 100 times that, along with persecution. But they will also enter into eternal life.

Application

Jesus uses a ridiculous illustration to show that it is hard, impossible even, for rich people to enter God’s kingdom.

Some people try to soften this picture by saying that there was a narrow gate into the city of Jerusalem which was called The Needle, and camels, had to be unloaded to pass through them. There is no historical evidence that such a gate existed, and the story only goes back to the 12th century.

Jesus is really saying that it is impossible for rich people to enter God’s kingdom by their own resources alone. The point is that nobody can buy God’s favour, not even the wealthiest person you can think of.

Jesus goes on to say that this is impossible for people, but with God, all things are possible.

Jesus is the only way into God’s kingdom. Rich people and poor alike have the same opportunity to trust Jesus, turn away from their sins, and enter into eternal life.

Listen

Lord, what else do you want to say to me concerning wealth and the kingdom?

Keith, I delight in blessing people with an abundance of possessions. Nobody was ever intended to live in the grinding poverty that still exists in many places. This was never my plan.

But when people love their possessions so much that they become their gods, they can no longer rely on me. They begin to think their wealth is a sign of my special favour.

To enter my kingdom, people must learn to look to me alone for salvation. They don’t have to give away their things, but they do have to learn to lean on me and not on their stuff.