The Eye of the Needle

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.24I’ll say it again—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!”  Matt19:23. NLT

The subject of riches has often been a topic of conversation. Many who are not rich, have been known to say if they were rich, they would give a lot of it to the poor and starving people in the world. However, would they? Once they got the taste of richness it is more likely that they would want to keep hold of it. Being rich is ok with Jesus; it is how we handle it that He looks at. (Mark 13:41- 44). If we become selfish and boastful about the riches we can receive this type of comment from Him.

Jesus' comments above, were the results of His conversation with the Rich man. This young man was enquiring  He had asked Jesus what good would he have to do to have eternal life. Jesus was quick to tell him that he couldn't buy eternal life. This is one of the things about very rich people. Some feel that everything has a price (16 - 17). Jesus told Him that if he wanted to receive eternal life, he should keep the commandments: 'You must not murder. `you must not commit adultery, You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honour your father and mother. Love your neighbour as yourself.' (18 - 19). The young man said he had done all of these. Jesus told him if he wanted to be perfect, then sell all you have, give the money to the poor and come and follow Me. With that, he sadly walked away. Notice that Jesus had said, 'If you want to be perfect.' The rich chap didn't have to do this in order to follow Jesus, several people were rich who walked with Him. He was checking where his heart lay.

Jesus mentioned a camel going through the eye of the needle. Now there are two interpretations of this: 

(1)  A camel was the largest animal which the Jews knew of. Now most walled cities had two gates. the main gate where traffic went through and next to it, there was a very low and narrow gate. When the main gate was locked at night, only the small gate could be used. It is said that this little gate was known 'The Needle's Eye'. So Jesus was saying that it was difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, as it was for a camel to enter through the little gate. The Needle's Eye. It would never make it.

(2)  This was the other explanation. The Greek word for camel is Kamelos. The Greek word for the cable used to tie up a ship on the dock is very similar to Kamilos. It happened that Jews used the one word and Jesus may have been referring to threading a darning needle with a ship's candle. A very vivid example indeed. 

So what's our conclusion 

(A)  Riches can encourage a false independence. If they have a good supply of the world's goods, they are apt to feel that they will cope very well.

(B)  Riches can shackle people to the earth. If people believe they have enough, this can blinker them into believing this is where their heart is. We need no one else.

(C)  Riches tend to make people selfish. However rich they may be, there is always the tendency  to want more and this can bring a fear that they are spending too much and will run out if they're not careful.

Be rich and be happy. However, know where your riches are from - God your Father. Ask Him how you should use the money He has given you to further the Kingdom of God. Give and be happy. Enjoy the life Jesus has provided for you.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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