SILOAM SPRINGS — A reader informed me that I didn’t answer the question, but merely presented several theories about the camel going through the eye of a needle. This is a cultural/philosophical concept that Jesus mentioned, so let’s look into this a little further.

I have been asked often, “If God can do anything, can he make a square circle?” I have also been asked, “Since God can do anything, can he make something so big that he cannot pick it up?”

God is a God of order and consistency. It was not necessary, nor is it possible, for God to actually put an intact camel through the eye of any needle, even though “all things are possible with God.” Jesus was using an illustration common to the Jews at the time to teach them about God’s desired relationship with man.

The original story of the “camel through the eye of the needle” dates back to the days of Nebuchadnezzar in 600 B.C. — although they often mentioned an elephant instead of a camel.

It was used as the “punch line” to get a point across.

Since it was commonly understood that riches were associated with God’s favor, Jesus’ comment revealed that riches have nothing to do with our relationship with God and that rich men might not get to heaven. That confused the disciples, so they asked incredulously, “Who, then, can be saved?”

Please read the narratives in Matthew 19:16-27, Mark 10:17-28 and Luke 18:18-28 carefully. Jesus’ response was not directed at the camel or the needle; rather, it was directed to “Who, then, can be saved?”

Jesus’ words — “All things are possible with God” — let them know that God can save anyone, and that statement is the core of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

— Gene Linzey is a former pastor in New Mexico who has moved to Siloam Springs. He can be contacted with questions or comments at masters.servant@cox.net.

Religion, Pages 6 on 11/04/2009

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