Matthew 19:23 - 30

Camel through the Eye of the Needle

23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say to you, 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.”

25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”

28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

It is difficult for a wealthy individual to succeed in the kingdom of heaven because of their devotion to making the wealth increase, it is hard to convince them to put God and the Gospel first in their lives.

Jesus continues by telling His disciples how difficult it is for a wealthy individual to succeed in the kingdom of heaven, He says it is harder than for a camel to pass through the eye of a sewing needle.

The disciples knew it was impossible for the camel to fit through the eye of a sewing needle. So they felt it was impossible for the normal individual to be saved, It is interesting to note they felt nearly everyone was in a wealthy state. And truly nearly all of us are in a condition of wealth.

Jesus points out the truth to His disciples. With man it is impossible to put a camel through the eye of the needle, but not so with God, He is in control of all, He has the power to change the camel so it will fit through the eye of the needle, and if the rich person seeks God first and places Him first in their life then He can be saved, even if he does have much riches, but he must not place his devotion and trust in his riches.

(1 Timothy 6:17[Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.])

Peter asks about the conditions facing the disciples. Because they had given up their families, their homes, and their businesses to follow Jesus. In those days following Jesus made it necessary to do as Peter and the disciples did.

(Mark 3:14 - 15[And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,])

Jesus assures the disciples of the rewards they will inherit when the kingdom is established. Not at the Day of Judgment, but when the church is established. The word “regeneration” is used only twice in the New Testament, and means “new birth, reproduction, renewal, recreation.” The other place it is used is

(Titus 3:5[ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ])

This is used in connection with “washing.” (Hebrews 10:22[let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.])

These verses show the regeneration happens when we are regenerated by our obedience to the Gospel. So Jesus is saying when the kingdom of heaven (church) is set up the apostles will be ruling. The apostles are given the authority to give the church the words of Jesus, they become the ones who rule along with Jesus.

(Matthew 28:20[ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.])

After Jesus left the earth to return to His father they would be able to return to their families and continue their work. Peter we know had his wife with him as he continued the work of Jesus, as did the brothers of Jesus, and other apostles.

(1 Corinthians 9:5[Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?])

Their temporary loss of family gave them multiples of family as Jesus defined the faithful disciples of the church.

(Luke 8:19 - 21[19 Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” 21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”])

The “first” and “last” means many who are expected to accept the Gospel can be often unconcerned and sometimes we may in our minds judge someone to be those who would be resistant to the Gospel but may eagerly accept the truth into their lives.