Question about Matthew 19: 24?

Question

"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."
(i) Does it mean that rich people will never taste the Kingdom of God?
(ii) Is it bad thing to be rich?
(iii) Is heaven only meant for poor people?

Answer 1

Matthew 19:24 "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."

As a matter of fact, this "camel" and "the eye of the needle" was a figure of speech for this area. This again shows that the weights of the world that the rich men pick up, so weight them down that it becomes impossible for them to focus on God. However, when we learn to place those weights on Jesus, and focus on him, then those riches become secondary, and in fact, a tool to help in the advancing of the Gospel of Christ.

The term, "the eye of the needle" is in reference to a small door that is in the gate of a city, and this is the only door that is allowed to be opened after dark. For a camel to pass through the gate and enter the city, the camel must be completely unloaded, and forced through. Thus the comparison of the difficulty of the rich man. This rich man must first unload his wealth, thus we have this proverb that is quite common in the East. In the Babylonian Talmud, they use an elephant, rather then a camel.

The peace of mind that a person has in Christ, when all his sins are repented, leaves him with a clear conscience, and freedom from guilt. Then your priorities are focused on Christ, and the souls of others. Jesus is telling His disciples that with men, it is impossible to focus on Christ when you are relying on yourself and carrying the load of wealth, however all things are possible with God. This is true because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and the freedom we have through the forgiveness of our sins.

Many people have problems trying to figure out what is right and wrong in the eyes of God. To the ladies; Should I wear jewelry, make up, fancy clothes, and on and on? To a man it could be the car, house, boat, etc; at what point is worldly wealth wrong. The answer is that it is all right in all these cases, as long as you don't worship the item, and place it before God. To worship something means it becomes your God, and becomes your idol; it becomes the focus of all your attention for vanity and pride.

Once a prosperous young man gets entangled with business affairs, or whatever it is that has caused his accumulation of wealth, that also hold the highest place of his priorities. Once wealth has been obtained, it becomes a greater job to maintain it, then it was to obtain it. The riches of God's kingdom take second place to the physical life that he is enjoying temporarily with his riches.

This young man is definitely seeking the advantage of man's world, and the kingdom that this world gives, rather then coming to God through Christ as a small child, with his complete love for the Father.

Answer 2

Jesus' comment about a rich man's salvation would have been difficult for some Jewish people to accept.

(i) Does it mean that rich people will never taste the Kingdom of God? I think the rich people can and will go to Heaven as long as their pride doesn't get in the way. Flaunting money, possessions, is what I think Jesus doesn't want us to do.
(ii) Is it bad thing to be rich? No there isn't anything wrong with being rich.
(iii) Is heaven only meant for poor people? Heaven is for everyone that accepts Jesus.

Answer 3

Rich people can make it to heaven. Abraham was very wealthy, Job was also wealthy. Which means that is not a bad thing to be rich. However, the verse refers to the ease in which a camel can go through a needle versus a rich man entering the kingdom of God. The Bible also states the love of money is the root of all evil. Apparently people love the riches more than the sacrifices they must make in order to achieve salvation.

Answer 4

The Rich Man and the Camel

Jesus often brought up the peril of riches, for it is a danger facing everyone, those who are wealthy and those who are not. (Matthew 6:24-32; Luke 6:24; 12:15-21) As a basis for personal examination, consider what Jesus said on one occasion, as related at Matthew 19:16-24; Mark 10:17-30; and Luke 18:18-30. In fact, why not pause now to read one or all of those accounts? A young ruler came to Jesus and asked: “By doing what shall I inherit everlasting life?” Jesus directed him to the Law, thus showing that Jehovah had not failed to indicate what was necessary. The man replied that he had kept God’s commands ‘from his youth on.’ It was as if he were at the door to life, but he sensed that he was yet lacking something. Perhaps he thought that there was some added good, some heroic act, that would be the final step through the door into everlasting life. Jesus’ response has broad implication: “Sell all the things you have and distribute to poor people, and you will have treasure in the heavens; and come be my follower.” What happened? “When he heard this, he became deeply grieved, for he was very rich [or, was holding many possessions].” So the man left.—Luke 18:18, 21-23; Mark 10:22.

Afterward Jesus observed: “How difficult a thing it will be for those having money to make their way into the kingdom of God! It is easier, in fact, for a camel to get through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man to get into the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:24, 25) Was that counsel only for that rich ruler? Or are you involved, whether you are wealthy or poor? Let us see. You may be helped to understand that young ruler’s situation if you imagine a modern equivalent—a clean young Christian with good Bible knowledge, fine morals, and coming from a wealthy family. You might envy such a person today. But Jesus found a major lack with the young Jewish man: His wealth or possessions were too important in his life. Thus Jesus counseled as he did. You can see why this Bible account is for all of us, whether rich or poor. Money and possessions could become too important for any one of us, whether we already have them or we just long to have such.

Jesus was not saying that a person with material riches could not serve God. Many have done so. That young Jewish man had done so—to an extent. There was the tax collector Zacchaeus, who “was rich.” (Luke 19:2-10) Some anointed Christians in the first century were wealthy and hence had the special challenge “to be liberal, ready to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17, 18; James 1:9, 10) And there are some wealthy Christians today too. They have often given generously to support the Kingdom work, opened their homes for meetings, and used their automobiles in the ministry. Why, then, did Jesus say what he did about the rich man and the camel? What can we learn from it? As you can appreciate, it is one thing to begin worshiping God; it is another thing to prove faithful to the end. (Matthew 24:13; Philippians 3:12-14) Jesus may have had this in mind when saying: “It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) No camel could squeeze through the tiny eye of a sewing needle, so Jesus obviously was using a hyperbole, an exaggeration not meant to be taken literally. It shows, though, how hard it is for a rich man to do something. What? Not just to begin serving God, no, but “to enter into the kingdom,” actually to gain everlasting life. No matter how you stand financially, Jesus’ counsel can aid your thinking, your spiritual progress, and your gaining lasting life.

Through the preaching done by Jesus and the apostles, ‘the poor had the good news declared to them.’ (Matthew 11:5) There was no discrimination against the rich. Yet it seems that more of the poor recognized their spiritual need and responded to the message of hope. (Matthew 5:3, 6; 9:35, 36) The rich Jews were more satisfied with how things were going. (Compare Luke 6:20, 24, 25.) Still, there were exceptions back then, and there are exceptions today. Some wealthy persons accept the Bible’s message and serve God. The outcome for them can be marvelous. It was in the case of Paul, who did not let his station in life stop him. (Philippians 3:4-8) Nevertheless, Jesus said that it would be more difficult for the rich.

Answer 5

No, it does not mean any of those things. It just means that some, maybe most, rich people become so enamored with or concerned about their possessions and money that they push God either to the bottom of their concerns or completely out of their lives. Thus it is very difficult for a rich person to enter the Kingdom. And really, I don't even think it has to be a rich person, but anyone who has something that gets in the way of their relationship with God.

Answer 6

Usually rich people aren't the people with money... but the people who are satisfied and feel they are rich in all kinds in their lives.
So the rich people think that if they do good things and give their money to poor, they might go to heaven
But that's wrong according to Jesus... you must be saved Jesus's blood to enter heaven

But it's impossible for a camel to enter in this needle !!
So just imagine... rich people who have no Jesus in their hearts can never enter heaven at all

Answer 7

This statement was made in connection with the conduct of the rich young ruler who loves his money more than God in Mathew 19:16-22. Rich people who worship their money more than God will find it difficult to enter the kingdom of heaven. God is not partial to the rich or poor He loves all equally.

Answer 8

With God all things are possible, God told us to give to all that ask, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, if someone takes from you don't ask for it back, agree with your adversaries quickly, pay all that you owe, turn not away those who wish to borrow. Think not what you will eat, drink or wear.

The rich man did as Moses commanded and still he could not find rest as Lazarus did.

Seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all these things will be added unto you.

If you are willing to give to all that ask, turn not away those that want to borrow, you will never be rich on earth, but you will be wealthy in heaven.

Do you not have faith in His Words ?????
Do you not believe Him ????

Answer 9

Matther 19: 16-30 is the whole passage of scripture. Jesus tells the parable of the rich young ruler who had kept God's commandments. Jesus asked him to give up all his earthly possessions. The bible says that the ruler went away sorrowful. He could not give away his earthly possessions to have eternal life with Jesus. I am not saying that rich people cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. It is just hard because they are so concerned with what they have here on earth. All rich people are not like this. It does not even have to be a rich person. You can find treasure in anything you possess. God just does not want us to forget about Him for he has gave you all your possession by blessing you. It is not bad to be reach for God wants us to be proseperous. Even after the first sin God was still blessing His people. He told us to be fruitful and multiply Gen 9:7. Heaven is not only meant for poor people. Its just that when you have nothing you depend on God more to help you. When things are not going your way you depend on God to make a way for you. There are many examples in the bible:

Luke 21:1-4

The Widow's Offering

1 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.
2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.
3 "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others.
4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

So we just need to worry about not storing up all our treasures on earth but in Heaven also. But everybody has an oppurtunity to get to know Jesus for them self. It is up to them whether rich or poor.

Answer 10

First off the answers are no, no, and no.

The Bible states that ALL have fallen short of the glory of God...thats, rich, poor, white, black, skinny, fat, etc....by the way that includes the Jewish as well.

I encourage you to read the story (parable) of the talents....Jesus gave to one 5 talents, to another 3 and to another 1....the first two go out and double there talents, the last one buries it and brings it back to him. Oh, by the way "talents" in the bible is money. so to the first two he tells them you have done very well.....since i gave you a few things and you did well, in heaven I will give you charge over many things. for the third person he takes their talent and gives it to the second person.

Obviously I have paraphrased.....but please read the scriptures for yourself. However the morale of the story is HOW you use what God has given you. The story which you quoted....is just after Jesus told a rich man to give all of his belongings away and follow him...that man went away saddened because his heart was for his things here on earth and not for God. One last comment.....the bible also tells us we should lay up treasure in heaven..because where your treasure is there will your heart be also.