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A Needle in the old Eastern countries, was a small and narrow gait in a walled city, that they would only open at night or at certain times during the day. Only a man could walk through it and a camel couldn't get through it unless it was unloaded first and it's pack inspected. The man talking to Jesus was rich because of ill-gotten gain. Jesus knew this about him and told him to give the ill-gotten gain to the poor and follow him. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy, otherwise.
That's always the understanding I've believed. I'd have no issue with Jesus making a play on words around it and using hyperbole, as well. Bottom line is that "the needle" is not the important part as much as it is his teaching on the attitude that pleases God.
I don't know where the saying comes from, but most Christians misunderstand it. So-called "scholars" of Bible can debate all the reasons they think the rich young ruler did not get saved. However, what they miss is the rich young ruler was surely saved, as Mark 10:21 declares that Jesus loved him. Jesus only loves His sheep (Psalm 5:5, Matthew 7:23, John 17:9, Romans 9:13), and He has promised He will never lose any of His sheep (Luke 15:4-7; John 6:39, 10:27-29; Romans 8:28-39).
Riches are a strong obstacle to obedience, however. Jesus laid down His life for us, and we should most definitely do the same for Him, no longer living for ourselves but for Him. We owe Him nothing less than everything. But who can even begin to do this as we ought to, especially a rich man?
... Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love one another
as I have loved you. What if Jesus really meant that?
And turn the other cheek.
But, you and I know he did mean that.
And you don't play a role pretending and acting this out, 'loving and being nice to people'.
Jesus meant realize...realize Truth, realize what the Reality Is---I am in each of you - I am in the homeless man, the nagging wife - the awful neighbor ---I am in them.
There is no trying to be kind ---there is Realization... of what all this is...a manifestation of God...
All is in my Father, the Father is in all.
See It.
And you don't play a role pretending and acting this out, 'loving and being nice to people'.
Jesus meant realize...realize Truth, realize what the Reality Is---I am in each of you - I am in the homeless man, the nagging wife - the awful neighbor ---I am in them.
There is no trying to be kind ---there is Realization... of what all this is...a manifestation of God...
All is in my Father, the Father is in all.
See It.
Has anyone else noticed that the "view first unread post" feature doesn't work on threads with polls? It always takes me to the last post in the thread.
Ozzy, did you know that pretty much in the same breath (2 verses later), Jesus reportedly said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible”?
Ozzy, did you know that pretty much in the same breath (2 verses later), Jesus reportedly said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible”?
It’s easy to read this story and think the rich man was a guy with loads of wonga.
Read what Paul said about himself, he was rich in every way but he had to basically consider it dung to pass through the eye of the needle. Paulie had it all .....If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless
Go sell all your beliefs come and follow me.
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
People cannot enter heaven based on his or her own works or personal righteousness. Only by faith in Christ Jesus can we enter heaven.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmiej
What is it that you are calling heaven?
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