“The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, ‘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 someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’”
– Mark 10:24-27
Jesus definitely has a sense of humor. Although camels are not something we see every day in our Western world, they were a common sight in His time, and suffice it to say, they were huge! On the contrary, the tiny opening at the top of a sewing needle was extremely narrow and almost indistinguishable to the naked eye. In today’s terminology, it might be like saying that a full-sized SUV passed through the cap of a pen. In any case, the analogy was meant to make a point about how difficult it is for a person who has a lot of money to inherit the Kingdom of God. Though the Lord doesn’t tell us exactly why this is the case, I think it’s safe to say that it has to do with the lack of a sense of need. It’s easy for those who are wealthy to feel as if they are set and that they don’t require the assistance of a Savior. Since they have “made it” in the world’s eyes, assuming a humility of heart that admits to an ongoing dependence can be difficult. Perhaps this is why Jesus uttered one of his most famous statements about the power of faith in response to the disciples’ inquiry about those with money entering His Kingdom — with man it’s impossible, but with God, all things are possible! My friend, if you are in a position of wealth and status, you still need a Savior! In fact, the most influential decision you will ever make is to lay your life at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ. When you surrender your highest hopes and greatest ambitions to Him, He will take what you give and add His supernatural power and impact to it. Only by offering to Him everything He has given to you, whether talents, skills or resources, will you step into the fullness of your potential. You were designed to work in partnership with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and when you lay your life in His Hands, the adventure that awaits will surpass your wildest imagination! |
Prayer
Jesus, I surrender everything you’ve given to me. I will put you first and join you on your great adventure for my life.
Reflection
Will you lay aside your ambitions and put Jesus first?
One Response
Another interpretation of the camel through the eye of the needle is that the eye of the needle refers to a narrow opening in a fence that a camel can only fit through once the saddlebags are removed.