The 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,” is so striking that many people remember the story of the rich young man. Since this passage is well known, it probably needs little further explanation. Still, I would like to revisit this story from a slightly different perspective.
At first glance, this saying seems to emphasize only how difficult it is for the rich to enter heaven. The image that often comes to mind is that of the rich young man who turned away from Jesus because he could not give up his wealth. In his story, we see ourselves—unable to let go of worldly riches. Many who hear this message resolve not to live like that, but putting it into practice is far from easy. Who could really sell all their possessions and give to the poor? I myself find it almost impossible.
Because of this, many people feel convicted by this passage and fear they might not receive salvation. Of course, there are also those who misuse this story to criticize or manipulate believers for their own purposes.
But is this truly the main point of the passage? While it certainly contains that meaning to some extent, I do not think it is entirely biblical to interpret it as a universal command for everyone. The Bible records many disciples of Jesus who were not required to give all their possessions to the poor.
For example, Joseph of Arimathea is described as a disciple of Jesus in Matthew, yet there is no record that he sold everything he owned. Zacchaeus promised to give half of his possessions to the poor, and Jesus did not demand that he give away everything. The women who supported Jesus are not recorded as having given all they owned, either. From this, it seems that Jesus expected a level of devotion suited to each person’s capacity. Just as in the parables of the talents, the denarius, and the steward, Jesus requires more from those who are entrusted with more, but He does not demand beyond what is reasonable.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts also illustrates this point. Their sin was not that they didn’t give everything, but that they lied about giving all the proceeds from the sale of their property (Acts 5:8 WEB: “Peter answered her, ‘Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.’ She said, ‘Yes, for so much.’”). The real issue was their deceit, not the fact that they kept some for themselves. For this reason, the words spoken to the rich young man are indeed words for all of us, but more precisely, they are directed to those who are entrusted with a great mission.
It is easy to overlook two important phrases in this story because of the young man’s turning away.
The first is, “Jesus looking at him loved him” (Mark 10:21 WEB). Jesus did not look down on him because he was rich; rather, He loved him for the life he had lived.
The second is the phrase “Follow me,” which appears in all the Synoptic Gospels. If you look through the Bible, you will find that Jesus did not often say “Follow me” directly. He used this phrase with Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Matthew (Levi), and His existing disciples. When the man who had been possessed by demons in the region of the Gerasenes begged to follow Him, Jesus did not permit it, showing how seriously He used this call. In contrast, Jesus did use this “Follow me” command with the rich young man.
Considering these two points, it is clear that Jesus was calling the rich young man to a great mission as a disciple. He was a good man, loved by Jesus, and someone whom Jesus saw as having the potential to receive a direct call: “Follow me.” Yet, he refused this call to mission and left, like those who turn down an invitation to a feast.
Does this mean he cannot enter heaven? Actually, the true heart of this passage lies here:
“Jesus, looking at them, said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.’” (Mark 10:27, WEB)
Since we believe salvation is a gift from God, independent of human works, it is not wise to interpret this passage solely from a works-based perspective. Of course, following Jesus by giving up all your possessions would be an incredible act of faith. I do not intend to belittle such faith. Those who have such faith will naturally receive greater love and mission from God. However, I want to caution you not to be deceived by anyone who uses this passage to exploit your possessions.
This is not to say that “you don’t have to do anything,” for Jesus also taught us to offer thanksgiving to God and to give to the poor. If your faith allows, and you devote yourself to giving, charity, and service, I believe God will never forget it. If you accept and practice even small calls to mission, when your faith grows, God will surely entrust you with greater missions.
