The Camel

Camels were the long-distance carriers of the ancient Near East and a mark of great wealth for Abraham, Job and the queen of Sheba. Rebekah showed her character at the well when she offered to water all the camels of Abraham's servant, no small task. Jesus used the camel, the largest animal in the land, for two memorable exaggerations: 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, and the Pharisees strained at a gnat but swallowed a camel. When the disciples asked who then could be saved, Jesus answered, 'with God all things are possible.'

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Strongest connections in Scripture

Matthew 19

Key Passages

Through the Eye of a Needle

Matthew 19:23-26

Jesus' startling picture shows that no one can enter the kingdom by their own resources - salvation is impossible with men but possible with God.

T²³hen said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

²⁴ And again I say unto you, 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. ²⁵ When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? ²⁶ But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.