In Matthew 19:24, Jesus says that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. The phrase "eye of the needle" has been the subject of debate among biblical scholars. If Jesus was being literal here, and talking about the eye of regular needle, then it would be impossible (barring some miracle from God) that a camel could go through it. It's hard enough to get a piece of thread in there sometimes...
But there is another option. In the Middle East there were many walled cities. Throughout the wall, there would be gates. Generally, these gates had at least two openings: the large door that would open fully and a smaller door inset in the larger one. This smaller door was referred to as "the eye of the needle." The larger door was opened for pack animals and caravans, while the smaller door was used primarily for foot traffic. For a fully laden camel to go through the smaller door, its owners would have to unload all the baggage - and then squeeze the camel through to the other side, at which point they could then load everything back again. It would be very time-consuming and difficult, but not physically impossible. However, for the owner, they would really have to want to get in the gate to go through that kind of trouble.Which was Jesus referring to? We're not 100% sure. I like the eye of the needle in the gate - especially with the way the camel must be unloaded (symbolizing our need to unload our attachment to our wealth). Either way, it is only by the help of God that either can take place.
4 comments:
This may be yet another example of "how it's written may affect how it's understood." Your quote read, "eye of the needle." The KJV reads, "eye of a needle." Is there a difference between "the" and "a?" Possibly. More so, perhaps, given your explanation of the larger and smaller doors. Be that as it may, to help find an answer to your question, I believe we must look to the reaction of the disciples. The KJV states, "they were exceedingly amazed...," asking, "Who then can be saved?"
Although done with some degree of difficulty, you have stated that it was not humanly impossible for a camel to be passed through the smaller door. Such being the case, one might have expected the disciples to react with a degree of resignation about the difficulty of the task, rather than being exceedingly amazed by the apparent impossibility of the task.
In v26 Jesus says, "With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible." Was Jesus refering to the camel, to salvation, or, as I believe, to both? Since, apparently, it wasn't impossible for men to pass a camel through the smaller door, His statement seems to eliminate any thought of that idea.
Salvation is of God, by God, and for God. No one comes to Jesus except by the actions of God (John 6:65). Therefore, it is just as impossible for any man to save himself as it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. Both actions require the power of God in order to be accomplished. In addition, salvation requires a human response.
And Jesus is here indicating, I believe, it may be the most difficult for the rich because many, I assume, are enticed to worship the power of their wealth, rather than the God who has provided it to them. Preoccupied with material possessions, and the many pleasures money can buy, they readily ignore any attempts made by the Holy Spirit to lead them to the Truth. Therefore, it is literally easier for God to pass a camel through the eye of a needle than it is for Him to bring a rich man to salvation.
Rob - as to your question on whether it is an "a" or a "the" in reference to the needle's eye - the Greek text I have does not include either article - so it's only speculation.
As for some of your other assertions, I wholeheartedly agree that salvation is only possible with the grace of Christ. We cannot save ourselves.
Someone contemplating the affect of "a" versus "the" in a sentence must also agree that it is not humanly possible for a camel to do anything.
David - I'm not sure what your comments mean...
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