Treasure in a Field painting by Bertram Poole published on Cover of Roots Christian Magazine

This painting was used by Roots Christian Magazine for its cover recently.

It is Easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a Needle than for a Rich Man to Enter the Kingdom of God Christian Art Painting by Bertram Poole

 
 

It is Easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a Needle than for a Rich Man to Enter the Kingdom of God:

The camel has to be unloaded completely then coaxed onto its knees so that it can crawl through the small gate which is called "The Eye of the Needle."

Apparently the large gate was closed at night. Anyone wishing to enter afterwards would have to use the "Eye".  There is some controversy:  Some say Jesus meant a literal 'eye' of a sewing needle - this may be so, because in the Peshitta translation the word "gamla" can apparently mean rope or camel!  Either way, the degree of difficulty seems to be the same!

Personally, I lean towards the 'small gate' interpretation as it is clear that riches can hinder a wealthy individual from growing spiritually - he does not have the desperation of knowing he has nothing else to "fall back" on and to marvel at the daily grace and provision of The Lord.  I believe it is almost impossible for a wealthy person to imagine what it is like to be stripped of everything!  One's identity and status are gone.  So is any pride.  When the spirit of pride is subdued, it is easy to put one's head between one's knees and find comfort in God's presence - sensing one is in the right place at the right time!

The main baggage may be the spirit of pride.  It is easy to put one's trust in wealth as it is visible and tangible.  Even a 'righteous' man like Job found out that the proud Leviathan spirit he had was offensive to God.  This gave Satan a foothold in his life.  As The Word states, with God anything is possible - there is a cost, and the cost may be everything - but, the good news is that one can also gain everything!  The disciples were astonished and wondered who could possibly be saved.  God works it out in His way.