Camels and Rich Men
This verse is often a cause of debate - does Jesus mean putting a real camel through the eye of a real needle, or does he mean a real camel through the small, or side, gate in a city wall? Is it just metaphorical? What has Jesus talked about before?
A rich man has come to Jesus and asked what he has to do to follow Jesus and enter the Kingdom of Heaven? He has kept all of the Mosaic commandments since birth, surely then he should be a prime candidate for first class entry into the Kingdom? However, this man is rich, and Jesus perceives the one thing that stops him truly following Jesus. He tells the man to sell everything he has, give it to the poor, and follow Him. The man goes away very sad. When push comes to shove, the young man cannot relinquish his earthly possessions, which give him his status and pride amongst other men.
The Needle, or side gate, was an emergency gate for merchants and travellers after the main gates had been closed. The choice is simple, drop your goods (possessions or commodities, and therefore money) and come into the safety of the city, or take your chances outside of the city walls. The camel can only enter on its knees and without it's burden. The man who places his worth in his wealth will not forego them at the city wall, just as the young rich man could not.
In many ways Jesus knows this is as impossible for that man to do as it is to put a camel through the eye of a needle, literal or metaphorical.
What burdens do we carry which we are unwilling to cast off to follow Jesus?
As Jesus knew, it isn't always about money.
Created over 1 year ago
