This Bible study lesson from Mark 10 tells how Jesus explains about the “camel through the eye of a needle“, and why the rich young man might have trouble getting into heaven.
The man believed he had kept all the commandments but, that was not enough.
How about us?
In which category do we fit?
Jesus Speaks to the Rich Young Man in Mark 10 – Camel Through the Eye of a Needle
I used to thread my mother’s needle for her when I was young. Of course, now I have to get someone (younger) to thread it for me! 🙂
So, let’s jump over to wiki and see how they describe an eye of a needle..
“The term ‘eye of a needle’ is used as a metaphor for a very narrow opening. It occurs several times throughout the Talmud. The New Testament quotes Jesus as saying that ‘it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God’.
The eye of a sewing needle is the part formed into a loop for pulling thread, located at the end opposite from the point.”
The love of money; we have heard this saying all our lives. But, why does wealth keep many people from getting into heaven?
Truth is, the rich and the poor can be saved. But, Jesus explains why it is “easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
The Camel Through the Eye of the Needle and the Rich Young Man
As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.”
Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter 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 the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”
10:31 – “But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” – Mark 10:17-27 & 10:31 NASB
Christ talks to the rich young man about heaven
There are two points to consider here. The young man was willing to do anything to have eternal life; anything except to give up his material wealth and follow Jesus.
Even though this young ruler had obeyed all the commandments in his mind, his pride and love for wealth kept him from obeying the first commandment – which says to put God first.
Are Rich People Banned From Heaven?
Of course not! This passage does not mean that a person of means cannot get into heaven. Jesus knew what was in the young man’s heart, and what was important to him.
The rich man put wealth and possessions before Christ. And, the poor can fall into this trap too!
How about Our Journey with God?
Do we struggle with these same obstacles?
It is very difficult to love God with all our hearts and all our minds if we love money, wealth, possessions or power even more than we love Him.
We Can’t – But He Can!
I am comforted by Jesus’ words that say, “all things are possible with God” because I struggle with these things just as you might.
Turn it over to God and ask Him to help you overcome weaknesses such as these.
Remember the Important Things in Life
Let’s try to keep balance in our lives, and know what is more important than physical possessions.
No matter how much we accumulate on earth we are going to leave it all behind one day.
I have never heard of a person on their death bed saying; “I wish I could have had more money in my life.”
I pray that we can be followers of Jesus Christ, and lovers of God, instead of becoming the “camel“.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here.