The Eye of Needle

Luke 18:25 - 28 " For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye that for a rich man to inherit the kingdom of God."                                                                                                                                                                                                                

This verse has often perplexed theologians and this morning I was reading one interpretation of it. I have heard before, and this author believed,  that  Jesus was talking about an entrance into                                     the Jerusalem city wall that was called the"Needle." It was very narrow and meant for people to walk through -not to ride a camel through.  This theory proposes that it was possible for a camel to get through if it bowed down . Others have said that the correct word is actually an interpretation of  Aramaic for rope, meaning that it is difficult for someone to pull a rope through a needle. This is highly unlikely as Jesus usually spoke Hebrew. These interpretations forget that Jesus had just spoken to the rich, young ruler.  They seem to downplay that Jesus really meant that it is easy for the rich to be never be burdened by their sin and therefore, difficult for them to enter heaven.  You see, at the time, the rich were thought to be blessed. There exists no historical evidence that there actually was an entrance to the city called the "needle".  What I found most amazing is how much time theologians (and myself) have spent trying to fit Jesus words into a box in order to make them a little easier to swallow. The key to this verse is ------- the next verse. And it is a wonderful, beautiful summary and explanation of what Jesus meant. His words amaze me and are perfect.                                        

Luke 18:28 "And he said, the things which are impossible with men are possible with God."                                                                                                                                                              

There it is. Quit trying to make this possible so the rich( which in case, you didn't realize are all of us in America as we are part of the richest 11% of the world) can get into the kingdom of heaven. If they just bowed down like a camel or they just worked really hard like pulling a rope through a needle. Nope, you and I cannot do it, but God can. And I will take today to praise His Holy name for it.