Why Does Jesus Talk About A Camel Going Through the Eye of A Needle? Matthew 19:23-30

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 

Having riches can be hard in the sense they tend to make one so focused on the pleasures in this life that they forget to look forward to the riches in the next life.  Riches can also breed complacency and self sufficiency to the point where they don't need anyone, even God.  Finally, sometimes riches are sought at the expense of seeking God.  

24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Some have tried to interpret this phrase about the camel entering the eye of the needle literally, but to no avail.  Jesus is using hyperbole here, which he often did when he taught.

It is easier for a camel ... - This was a proverb in common use among the Jews, and is still common among the Arabians. (Guzik)

"To denote that a thing was impossible or exceedingly difficult, they said that a camel or an elephant might as soon walk through a needle's eye. In the use of such proverbs it is not necessary to understand them literally. They merely denote the extreme difficulty of the case." (Barnes)

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

I think one of the reasons Jesus used hyperbole was to bring about a response to the disciples.  He wanted them to come to the conclusion that no one can be saved by their own good deeds or works. 

"The disciples, who had followed their Master in expectation of becoming rich and great, were exceedingly astonished when they heard him declare that it was next to impossible for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Benson)

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

This is essence of the gospel. "We can't, God Can, I think I will let Him!"  It is not until one gets to the end of their rope of self suffiency and pride, will they realize they can't save themselves.  The gospel becomes good news for us when we realize that without it we are lost.    

27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

Peter is still thinking in the natural.  The disciples had left their jobs, their families, and their homes to follow Jesus.  A lot of times we think that when we give things to God, we should expect something in return.  We do something good for God, and He should do something for us.  We give mnoey to the church and suppose God should give us something back in return.  But that kind of misses the point.  

28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Jesus realizes he needs to put what he is taught in context, so the disciples will not get too discouraged.  Jesus gives them a glimpse into the future kingdom, when he comes back in great and promised glory.  

"The disciples will have a special role in the future judgment, probably in the sense of administration in the millennial Kingdom." (Guzik)

The word "judge" doesn't mean to judge men's souls or determine who is worthy to receive salvation. 

"To be a judge denotes rank, authority, power. The ancient judges of Israel were people of distinguished courage, patriotism, honor, and valor. Hence, the word comes to denote not so much an actual exercise of the power of passing judgment, as the honor attached to the office; and as earthly kings have those around them dignified with honors and office - counselors and judges, so Christ says that his apostles will occupy the same relative station in the great day. They will be honored by him, and by all, as apostles, as having, in the face of persecution, left all; as having laid the foundations of his church, and endured all the persecutions of the world." (Barnes)

29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 

One of my favorite phrases is, "you cannot give God." God doesn't give to us "tit for tat", but exponentially.  In the illustration I made before, when we give God $2 in the offering plate, he doesn't promise to give us $2 back.  That is the way the world works but not God.  

When Jesus says, "You will receive a hundred times as much and inherit eternal life", he is basically saying you can't even compare what you give to God to what He will give back to you.  God can do exceedingly more than we ask or imagine.  Ephesians 3:21.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Jesus closes by warning us not to make judgments based on the world's standards.  The world may make judgments based on who is the richest, or has the most power, or prestige, but God has a different value system.  Jesus himself did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself and became a servant, even to death on a cross.  Philippians 2:6-7

How wealthy are in you in the sense Jesus talks about it today? If we know God is going to bless our generosity, how can we still be stingy and miserly toward God?   Do you think more about your investments here on earth or you heavenly ones?  Which do you think will pay bigger dividends?