Jesus said in Matthew 19:24, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” What is really the “eye of the needle” that Jesus mentioned? Did Jesus refer to a narrow Jerusalem wall called the “eye of the needle”?
Eye of the needle
For some time, many preachers have wrongly interpreted the passage. They taught that Jesus was comparing a rich man’s journey to heaven with that of a camel going through the eye of a needle. The eye of the needle was believed to be a narrow wall in Jerusalem. So, camels had to unload their baggage and kneel down to enter through. And so, just like the camels, rich people must unload their luggage and humble themselves to come to God.
However, there is no historical evidence that such a gate really existed. When Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, He was using hyperbole. Jesus highlighted how impossible it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. And why is that?
To understand Jesus’ intention, one should look at the passage’s context.
Matthew 19:16-26 talks about the rich young ruler who asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Although the young man claimed that he had kept all the laws, he walked away when Jesus asked him to sell all his riches and follow Him.
Jesus pointed out to the rich ruler and His disciples that inheriting eternal life through good works will never suffice. He refuted the Jews’ belief that eternal life is rewarded to good people and that God shows His approval for them through material wealth. They thought that rich people were bound for heaven.
But Jesus said that rich people who trust their self-righteousness find it impossible to go to heaven. Salvation through good works is impossible. But what is impossible for man is possible for God. Only faith in Jesus can one inherit salvation and eternal life.
Reference: Enduring Word
