What Jesus Did! 'Easier for a Camel?' — Matthew 19:23-24

The radical nature of Jesus' words is indicated by two attempts through the years to soften them. Some later translations of this passage have "rope" instead of "camel." (The two words look and sound somewhat similar in the original Greek.) Later speculation led to the myth of a gate in the walls of Jerusalem called "The Needle's Eye." Neither of these is true. Both, however, reveal how hard it is for an affluent culture to hear the radical demand of Jesus' words.

Jesus is emphatic: It is extremely difficult for the rich to embrace the radical call of discipleship in the Kingdom of God. But, salvation does not depend on our ability, but on God's generous grace. The key point for us, however, is to be reminded about the dangers of wealth and possessions. They can become our god, our stumbling block, our choking point, our diversion, and our downfall if they become the things we cannot give up to follow Jesus. From our vantage point, following Jesus' radical call is impossible. Fortunately, God has provided the Holy Spirit and fellow-Christians. We all need the guidance of the Spirit and the strength of a dedicated Christian community to yield to Jesus' call in all areas of our lives, including using our wealth and possessions to serve others.