camel > eye of needle

Mark 10:17-27

"17 And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto Him, Why callest thou Me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 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.

20 And he answered and said unto Him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 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.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24 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!

25 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.

26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."

Today’s verses are the written record of the encounter between Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler, a man who asked how to inherit eternal life. After confirming the man’s adherence to the commandments, Jesus challenged him to sell his possessions, give the wealth to the poor, and follow Him, exposing the man’s idolatry of wealth. The man left sorrowful because he had great possessions, leading Jesus to teach that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. 

The disciples were astonished by this, asking who could be saved, but Jesus clarified that while salvation is impossible for humans relying on their own righteousness or wealth, all things are possible with God. Interpretations suggest the passage highlights that no one can earn salvation through works; rather, it requires surrendering trust in material security to rely entirely on divine grace.

Amen.