Matthew 19:23–30 (ESV)
The Rich Young Man (Part 3)
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, 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.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”
28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And
everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the
last first.
In the parable, the rich young man walked away sorrowful. Jesus goes on to explain his point deeper to his disciples. “Truly,
I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, 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.” Now,
getting a camel through the eye of a sewing needle is impossible… which is exactly the point that Jesus is making. I hear people referring to the “eye of the needle” as a gate in a wall that is small and only a man can go through one
at a time. You must unload the camel and make the camel get down on his knees and crawl through. Great story, but there is no so called “eye of the needle” gate… and it IS possible to get a camel through it. This little
story misses the point. Jesus is making the point that it is impossible for man to get into heaven based on his own merits or wealth. The ONLY way into heaven is through Christ. You can never be good enough to earn heaven… it is only
through the forgiveness of Christ. The only way into heaven is through faith… and that is given to you from God.
I pray: O Lord, help me to
always trust the faith you have given me, the faith that brings the forgiveness of sin, eternal life, and salvation. Thank you for your precious gifts and love. Amen.