Camels and Needles

 

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 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.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:17-27 ESV).

 

This story began so beautifully. A fine young man, wealthy and well educated, came to Jesus, bowed before him, and asked a very important question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Most people came to Jesus for some benefit, such as healing or food for themselves or for a loved one. But this man was interested in spiritual matters. The story ended sadly, though, with the rich young man leaving disappointed by Jesus' response. He had two problems that are very common among man.

 

§  First, he loved his wealth more than he loved God. Possessing wealth is not wrong in itself, but letting wealth stand in the way of surrender to God brings spiritual disaster.

 

§  Second, the young man misunderstood God's way of salvation. He believed he was good, claiming he had always kept the commandments. Second, he wanted Jesus to tell him one more good work he might do that would guarantee him a place in paradise. Instead, when Jesus suggested that he give up what was closest to his heart, the young man showed that he did not see himself as a sinner in need of God's forgiveness.

 

Jesus emphasizes the impossibility of anyone “earning” redemption with the illustration of a camel going through the eye of the needle. This feat can only be accomplished by the work of God in our hearts. That’s reason for great gratitude!