Eye of the Needle

[pixie]

While praying with my children last night, I mentioned the parable about the came and the needle. My son Sebastian said that he was taught that the eye of the needle was a gate. I looked it up on google and came up with this:

Firstly the Word. Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Beneath the Word of the Lord, there is a rather strange explanation. I wonder if a rich man came up with this idea. I don't necessarily agree with this, I just thought some of you might be interested.

"Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, 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" (verses 23, 24).

Jesus did not say it was impossible - yet he indicated how difficult it was by the hyperbole of the camel going through a needle's eye, which if taken literally would indicate impossibility.

A rather attractive explanation has been put forward in modern times, that the needle's eye was a small postern gate, used after nightfall when the large gates of the city were shut. Only by the load being removed from the camel's back, and with much pushing and pulling, could the animal be got through; so the rich man must get rid of his load of riches if he wished to enter the Kingdom of God.

Against this idea there are two objections. No ancient writer ever gives this explanation; yet if it was customary for camels to get through postern gates such an explanation might have been expected from men familiar with the sight. In addition, the variant form in the Babylonian Talmud, where an elephant takes the place of the camel, points to the saying being proverbial; for whatever may be possible with difficulty for a camel would be quite impossible for an elephant. The saying is hyperbolic - an exaggeration, to describe a thing very difficult to do.

And in another passage, as follows:

"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." (Matthew 19:24)

For the last two centuries it has been common teaching in Sunday School that there is a gate in Jerusalem called the eye of the needle through which a camel could not pass unless it stooped and first had all its baggage first removed. After dark, when the main gates were shut, travellers or merchants would have to use this smaller gate, through which the camel could only enter unencumbered and crawling on its knees! Great sermon material, with the parallels of coming to God on our knees without all our baggage. A lovely story and an excellent parable for preaching but unfortunately unfounded! From at least the 15th century, and possibly as early as the 9th but not earlier, this story has been put forth, however, there is no evidence for such a gate, nor record of reprimand of the architect who may have forgotten to make a gate big enough for the camel and rider to pass through unhindered.

Variations on this theme include that of ancient inns having small entrances to thwart thieves, or the story of an old mountain pass known as the "eye of the needle", so narrow that merchants would have to dismount from their camels and were thus easier prey for brigands lying in wait.

Anyway, this is what is taught to my son in school. Hoping for your input, as I need to be sure in the Spirit before I address my son on this.

Thanking you and Amenixie :rainbow:

 

[Tonyb]

Hi there,

I believe that Jesus is trying to get across to his disciples the impossibility of the situation. There is no way the rich young man who came to Jesus, asking Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life; was going to enter into the kingdom trusting in money.

The people who put the theory forth that Jesus meant a narrow gate whereby you take the load off of a camel, and then bring camel and load through the gate separately is hardly an impossible task.

But what I believe Jesus had in mind was an impossible task, the rich man entering into the kingdom trusting in his wealth and that's why He compares it with an equally impossible task, A camel going through the eye of a needle, a literal needle, it's just not going to happen.

I suppose the bit that really gets people is were Jesus says this is impossible with man but with God all things are possible. That's a real brain strain, the thought of a camel going through the eye of a needle. But one thing I've learned about God is the laws of science don't mean a thing when God wants to turn them on their head.

Blessings,
Tonyb

 

[steve1979]

whats the eye of the needle?

if i am not mistaken the eye of the needle was a gate or entrance to a city, and it was just low enough so that camels could not pass through, but stay out side. My interpretation to that reference where Jesus say's "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" is that a camel cannot walk on his knees, and to enter into that gate thats what it would take. Kneeling and bowing is a form of submission and humility. Most people who are rich trust in themselves, and would not kneel or submit to the authority of God. All people who are saved have aknowledged their position and God's position, and submit to his authority. After all kingdom means "dominion of the king". Please correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[TheKingdom]

if i am not mistaken the eye of the needle was a gate or entrance to a city, and it was just low enough so that camels could not pass through, but stay out side. My interpretation to that reference where Jesus say's "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" is that a camel cannot walk on his knees, and to enter into that gate thats what it would take. Kneeling and bowing is a form of submission and humility. Most people who are rich trust in themselves, and would not kneel or submit to the authority of God. All people who are saved have aknowledged their position and God's position, and submit to his authority. After all kingdom means "dominion of the king". Please correct me if i'm wrong.

Great post, It is literal. Nice to see this truth made clear. Thank you for sharing. God Bless.

 

[Faithin1]

I think steve1979 hit the nail on the head. However, there are a few rich people who do love the Lord and use their wealth to benefit others who are less fortunate. I believe those few would be willing to humble themselves. Unfortunately, they are indeed rare.

 

[pixie]

I agree too

The eye of the needle being a gateway. It does make sense, doesn't it.

There is always something new to learn. Thanks to all for your input. I really didn't have much of a clue about this issue. The things we teach each other about God.

I like the explanations given. Where the camel gets on it's knees (humility) and gets rid of it's baggage, (wealth). Hmm, I think I will let my son decide for himself. Me, I kinda like this explanation.

Amenixie :rainbow:

 

[evangeline]

Hyperbole

Hi Pixie,

I very much enjoyed your first post. I too have heard the story, several times, about the eye of a needle being a small gate. However I believe that your information is correct: that this was an idea thought up later...there is no historical or archeological evidence to support this idea...it is simply not true.

The statement of Jesus where He says that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" is an example of hyperbole. It is an exaggeration used to emphasize a point. It is indeed very difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven - but not impossible with God. (Matthew 19:23-26)

We use hyperbole in English as well. For example, we might say: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." (No one takes this statement literally, meaning that the person could eat an entire horse...all it really means is that the person feels very hungry.)

The New Testament records other examples of Jesus using hyperbole (a common rhetorical device) to emphasize a point.

In Luke 14:26, Jesus says that we are to hate our family if we want to be true followers of Him. If we take this statement at face value, it totally contradicts the pervasive and important message of love that is found throughout the New Testament. (see John 13:34-35) What Jesus is really saying is, that our dedication to Him must be so strong, and our devotion for Him our absolute number one priority, so that our love for our family members pales in comparison.


evangeline

 

[Chad]

Matthew 19
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

And again I say unto you, 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.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Though Christ spoke so strongly, few that have riches do not trust in them. How few that are poor are not tempted to envy! But men's earnestness in this matter is like their toiling to build a high wall to shut themselves and their children out of heaven. It should be satisfaction to those who are in a low condition, that they are not exposed to the temptations of a high and prosperous condition. If they live more hardly in this world than the rich, yet, if they get more easily to a better world, they have no reason to complain.

Christ's words show that it is hard for a rich man to be a good Christian, and to be saved. The way to heaven is a narrow way to all, and the gate that leads into it, a strait gate; particularly so to rich people. More duties are expected from them than from others, and more sins easily beset them. It is hard not to be charmed with a smiling world. Rich people have a great account to make up for their opportunities above others. It is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart upon his riches, to get to heaven.

Christ used an expression, denoting a difficulty altogether unconquerable by the power of man. Nothing less than the almighty grace of God will enable a rich man to get over this difficulty. Who then can be saved? If riches hinder rich people, are not pride and sinful lusts found in those not rich, and as dangerous to them? Who can be saved? say the disciples. None, saith Christ, by any created power. The beginning, progress, and perfecting the work of salvation, depend wholly on the almighty power of God, to which all things are possible. Not that rich people can be saved in their worldliness, but that they should be saved from it. Peter said, We have forsaken all.

Alas! it was but a poor all, only a few boats and nets; yet observe how Peter speaks, as if it had been some mighty thing. We are too apt to make the most of our services and sufferings, our expenses and losses, for Christ. However, Christ does not upbraid them; though it was but little that they had forsaken, yet it was their all, and as dear to them as if it had been more. Christ took it kindly that they left it to follow him; he accepts according to what a man hath. Our Lord's promise to the apostles is, that when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, he will make all things new, and they shall sit with him in judgement on those who will be judged according to their doctrine. This sets forth the honour, dignity, and authority of their office and ministry.

Our Lord added, that every one who had forsaken possessions or comforts, for his sake and the gospel, would be recompensed at last. May God give us faith to rest our hope on this his promise; then we shall be ready for every service or sacrifice. Our Saviour, in the last verse, does away a mistake of some. The heavenly inheritance is not given as earthly ones are, but according to God's pleasure. Let us not trust in promising appearances or outward profession. Others may, for aught we know, become eminent in faith and holiness

I strongly believe the conclusion, the meaning of Christ's comment in truth on the rich man and camel hyperbole is related to this per se:

Matthew 6:24-25
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."