"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. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."
Today's lesson is a continuation of yesterday's in that it deals with those whose devotion is to their wealth instead of to God and His saving grace through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "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.".
Although there is no possible way to determine whether Jesus was referring to an actual live camel, or to a rope, as is suggested by use of the Aramaic definition. It is equally impossible to determine if Jesus was referring to an actual sewing needle or to a very small gate in the city wall, as some contend. Neither interpretation matters since it is impossible to put a camel through the eye of a needle when any of the above definitions are applied.
Therefore, if we were to take what Jesus said literally, it would be impossible for a rich man to be saved, or to enter into the kingdom of God.
We know, however, that it IS possible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God because Jesus died for both the poor and the wealthy. His redemption is there and free for whomever chooses to accept it.
In my un-educated opinion, Jesus was referring to those who aspired to enter the kingdom under the conditions set out in Mosaic law. This is probably accurate in that later in the same conversation Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." Through Jesus' own words we know it IS possible for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God seeing that Jesus died for both the poor and the wealthy.
The purpose of this lesson is to demonstrate that no amount of worldly wealth, or prestige, and no amount of worldly "good deeds" have any bearing upon whether or not one can enter the kingdom, (The Church). That is strictly determined by whether or not one places his/her total faith in Jesus Christ for the redemption of his/her eternal soul. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)~
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