We often hear the statement made that a rich man cannot enter heaven.  Riches do not make a man evil, but the love of riches or money is the root of all evil.  The Bible tells us some covet after riches and err from the faith and pierce themselves through with many sorrows.  This is the danger of being covetous and not seeking the Lord first of all.

When Jesus gave this example to those He was teaching, they understood what the "needle's eye" referred to.  Sometimes we read this passage and think of the 'eye of a sewing needle' and know it would be impossible for a camel to go through this.  This saying is the basis for some peoples thoughts that a rich man cannot enter into heaven.  However, Jesus said that; "a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven."  This meant it would be with great difficulty, but it was still possible as God is no respecter of persons although He looks for those with a humble and contrite heart.  The needle's eye was a Jewish proverb  which showed the difficulty or the near impossibility of the rich entering in heaven, but did not show it as an impossibility.  We know that with God, all things are possible despite the circumstances or difficulties which may appear to be seen.  Faith in God makes the impossibilities become possible.

When Jesus spoke these words, He had been talking to a rich young ruler.  This man had kept the commandments, but was unwilling to sell his riches, give to the poor and follow Jesus.   When he heard what Jesus said about riches and giving to the poor, he went away sad, because he had great possessions.  Jesus knew where his heart was before He spoke a word, but tested his desire to follow him as the only way of entering heaven.

In order to realize what this parable represents, we must know what the needle's eye really referred to in Jewish thinking of that day.  The gates around the City in Bible days served as a police system as the thick walls kept out the enemy.  One could only enter through the gates into the city and the gates were guarded so as to keep intruders out.  In the large gates of the city walls were smaller narrow gates.  It is said, at night, the large gates were closed and only the small gate was left open.  Those returning to the city at night would have to unload their camels and with great difficulty; the camel would have to enter through the narrow gate called, "the needle's eye," if it entered in the gates of the city.  For a camel to be able to enter through these gates, it would have to be freed of the burdens it carried and then get down on his knees to go through the smaller entrance.  It was a struggle for them to squeeze through this narrow opening, and could not do so while carrying their usual heavy loads or possessions of their owners.  It is said the only way they could enter was on their knees.

Many today walk away from Jesus because they treasure possessions more than the treasures of heaven.  The Lord told the man He could have treasures in heaven but his earthly treasures meant more to him. He was not willing to humble himself which made it difficult and impossible for Him to enter in.  It would have been easier for the camel to have struggled on his knees to get through the "eye of the needle", than for this rich man to enter heaven unless he repented and obeyed.

It is the same way for the poor as for the rich.  All men must willingly humble themselves before the Lord.  One must give him their heavy burdens of sin and be willing to lay aside earthly possessions, share with others, and bow their hearts and knees to the one who is the gate and door. He is the only way to heaven and one must enter through the straight and narrow way. 

May we always look to Jesus, who is the way, truth and life. He is the only entrance and we must have a love for Him more than anything else in our lives.   If one's earthly desire is to lay up riches on earth, they should think of the camel and the difficulty it would have getting through the narrow gate or "needle's eye".   Looking to Jesus first as we follow him and enduring until the end gives us the assurance of Heaven.  Thanks to the Lord for being the "gate" through which we enter who gives freedom and eternal life.  May we always bless Him with a heart of thanksgiving.  Only He can make our hearts complete.

Blessings in Christ,    Jo Ann Kelly (c) 2002       J. P.'s Inspirations

 

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