(Matt. 19:23‑26). 

Jesus said that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich to enter into the kingdom of God (Matt. 19:23‑24).  The walls of cities in Israel had large gates as well as very small and narrow ones known as the needle=s eye, through which unloaded camels could manage to pass, kneeling down. 

 

The above statement of Jesus was a popular Jewish proverb used to express very difficult or impossible tasks.  That He used this statement to illustrate how difficult it is for a rich man to get to heaven, calls for real concern.  And it actually gave the immediate disciples concern (cp. Matt. 19:25‑26). 

 

It is therefore very important for us to understand which class of the rich Jesus was referring to.  No doubt, He was not trying to insinuate that wealth/riches is evil, as God is the one who gives His people  power to get wealth.  He delights in the prosperity of His people (Deut. 8:18; Ps. 35:27). 

 

The rich who are barred from the kingdom of God are those who allow money, wealth/material possession, socio‑political position and intellectual power to be their god and constitute obstacles to their salvation and discipleship (cp. Matt. 13:22; 19:24; Col. 3:5).  Others in this category allow quest for the mundane to choke and destroy their spiritual lives (cp. Lk. 8:14; 1Tim. 6:9‑10).