SUBJECT:  Eye of the Needle  -- Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25

QUESTION:  What does this verse mean; what is the eye of the needle

ANSWER

Regarding the eye of the needle.  The commentaries are mixed on this.  Some say it was a gate into Jerusalem that was small enough so if a camel were to enter, it would have to have its bundles on its back removed and the camel even stoop down to get through the gate.  Other commentaries feel that it means exactly what it says; an actual sewing needle.  Clearly one can see the impossibility of getting a camel through a sewing needle eye.  Regardless, the meaning is the same.  Rich people will have difficulty giving up their riches to respond to a Godly Calling.  Riches are a great temptation to take eyes off of God and the Salvation Process and unto earthly things.  God's word refers to the fact that we cannot take glory in riches, or worldly wisdom or physical might.

1 Corinthians 1:26-34 shows us the things that are not a part of our calling.  Jeremiah 9 and verses 23-24 confirm this.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

This is what Jesus is referring to in His talk of the eye of the needle.  Notice Mark 10:24...

Mark 10:24

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!

One cannot trust in riches to overcome sin, to move toward perfection or to even get the Work of God done.  We must rely on God for EVERYTHING.