Lesson 4250

 (Lesson 4250)(09-10-23) Mark 10:19-25

    “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 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.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus related how hard it is for a rich person to give up their wealth to seek the amazing saving grace of God.

    Jesus used the metaphor that, “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.” 

    When Jesus applied that metaphor, I believe the “needle” He referred to was the small night gate through the wall of Jerusalem. Although it could be done, it was almost impossible for a camel to walk through that gate. 

    The “needle gate” was made small for security reasons. Having that information allows the metaphor to make sense because it is possible for the rich to be saved, but, sadly, few will abandon the worship of their wealth to make time for Jesus.~