"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)
This is such an interesting expression. I thought that Matthew literally meant that a camel can go through the eye of a sewing needle, not a small door. In my mind, it does make sense, for it would be extremely difficult (um, pretty much impossible) for a man to go through a sewing needle. So what makes the camel capable? In the parable, it is inferred that a rich man must get rid of his baggage until he can enter the door to the Kingdom of God. By baggage, it is meant that a rich man must get rid of his wealth to truly be with God. But why is that so? Is it because wealthy people are stereotyped to have a knack for greed? I don't think all wealthy people are greedy; I think some work very hard for their money and deserve it. So why does Jesus say that a person must be poor in order to live in heaven?
Post to check out:
http://www.bibletopics.com/biblestudy/43.htm
Remember than in context a wealthy person is part of the Retainer class, with all the baggage of privilege, comfort, and patriarchal authority that brings with it. So it's not a comment on personal greed, but on structural inequality.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think it could also be considered on a symbolic level. Your soul must be pure and free of any distractions in order to enter the Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteJesus accepted all kinds; he accepted the poor and the tax collectors, and I'm sure he would accept the higher class as well.
We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave the same. No earthly possessions are needed in the Kingdom, and they would probably slow us down anyway.