The eye of the needle
Mark 10: 23-25 “And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
(We know the story….a rich young ruler came to Jesus, seeking eternal life. Jesus pointed him back to the scriptures….the side of the commandments which deal with other people.
The young man said he had observed them all.
And Jesus, quite pointedly says, “One thing you lack: sell whatsoever you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
As we know, this was not what this man wanted to hear….and he went away,…sad….but he left Jesus….”for he had great possessions.”
Jesus uses the word “treasure” here, for He had plainly taught before: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)….and this is a lesson in itself.
Where is our “treasure”? In the “riches” of this world? Or the Spiritual riches Christ gives us?)
Then, when this rich young ruler turns from HIm, to go back to his life of prosperity…..Jesus turns His eyes from him….and looks around on the men and women who did follow HIm….
….and said,…
“How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!”
This was quite a statement.
Prosperity was promised those in the Old Testament that were obedient to God and His commandments. But it was prosperity of spirit toward God and toward their brothers and sisters of Israel. They were commanded to take care of their poor relatives who came to them for help.
Jesus disciples were astonished….very surprised at this statement.
So Jesus speaks very gently….(And I love this)…”Children,…”
This speaks of sons and daughters….valuable to Him.
There is this rich young ruler which came running to Jesus for eternal life…..but turns and goes away.
And there is these men and women who kept following HIm, wanting to understand everything He says….
….Jesus turns to them and calls them….Valuable sons and daughters! And explains what He meant.
“How hard it is for them that trust in riches….to leave them and trust in Christ. For that is what it takes, to enter into the kingdom of God….trust in Me, the Messiah, the Savior.”
Then He says this verse. (I think this is a great way to explain how those who have “great possessions” need to enter into the door of the kingdom of God.)
Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
The eye of the needle was a very small door beside the large gates of Jerusalem. These gates were closed at sunset and locked till the next morning. But the small door next to it was closed and guarded by a soldier. It could be opened at any time.
When a caravan of laden camels came, past the time to enter into the gates….they would have to camp outside the gates….with no protection….
….or they would have to bring each camel and take off their merchandise from it, and squeeze the camel through. (Let me tell you, those leggy camels with the long neck and large body had to get down on their knees and wiggle through.)
Sometimes they might get stubborn, and stop right in the middle of the door. But with much pulling and pushing from the merchants….it would get through, to safety inside the walls of the city.
(Once, many years ago, we had to take an inventory before the Lord of all our “possessions” in the world. Now, not many were rich, or affluent….so we thought surely it would not take long.
But then the Lord showed us (me, at least) my opinion of myself….not that I had many abilities….but what I had, I felt pride it! He showed me how I hung onto many things I thought were “good” in myself….
…and frankly, I was amazed! I did not know I felt that way about so many things in my life. The revelation sent me praying harder to the Lord to help me “take off” all that I was laden with, and was holding on to!)
And as with many of the lessons Jesus taught HIs disciples….for they were again very surprised at this illustration….
….Jesus then points them to the One Who works within them (and us)….and Who will supply what we need, as we obey:
Mark 10:27 “And Jesus looking upon them (those who had continued with HIm) saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”
How we need to turn our eyes away from ourselves….and toward God, who called us!
For with God all things are possible!
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 