Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 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.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’ Then Peter said in reply, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Matthew 19:23-30
Folks say that Jesus did not mean an actual needle, rather a tiny gate into Jerusalem. We know that camels are ornery and large animals and the eye of a needle, whether gate or actual needle eye, is extraordinarily small. Years ago, a Sunday School lesson was designed to teach children this lesson, had them carry many large suitcases through a very small opening. It failed, because every one of those strong-willed, stubborn children wriggled and twisted and got through. We are reminded by Jesus, that for "God all things are possible." We are invited to put our faith in God and not in our belongings, our own strength and brilliance or our stubbornness. We are promised safe passage and abundant love if we put our trust in our Creator every day.
Loving Creator, you give us our daily needs
surrounding us with good food and good rest
and place us among others who will guide us.
We stubbornly cling to our wealth and belongings
like willful children with something to prove
we fail to see you loving arms reaching for us.
Help us Lord, to put our burdens down today
trusting that you are able and willing at all times
to give the last among us a home in your heart. Amen.
Jesus always use
