16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. - Matthew 19:16-17
Notice how this man approaches Jesus. He addresses Him as Good Master. He is willing to concede that He is good, and probably the enemies of Jesus would not have gone that far.
Then Jesus told this man about the commandments that have to do with a man’s relationship to his fellowman.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? - Matthew 19:18-20
This man could say that he had kept these commandments, and yet he recognized a lack in his life. The commandments that Jesus gave him are the last section of the Ten Commandments, which has to do with a man’s relationship to man. The first of the Ten Commandments have to do with man’s relationship to God. Jesus did not use those because He was leading this man along in his thinking. However, now Jesus directs this man’s thinking to his relationship to God.
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. - Matthew 19:21
“If thou wilt be perfect,” meaning complete. Following Jesus would have led him to see that he was not keeping the first commandments, which have to do with a man’s relationship to God. Jesus was on His way to the cross. If this man followed Jesus, it would be to the foot of a cross. Something, however, was preventing him from going after the Lord. His riches were his stumbling block. For you and for me it might be something entirely different.
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. - Matthew 19:22
It was his money that was keeping him from Jesus. In our day there are many things that are keeping people away from Jesus. Riches are only one thing; there are multitudes of other things. Today, is there something that is separating you from Christ? Is there anything in the way that is keeping you from Him?
Well, it was riches for this man.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 19:23
This is still true today. Not many rich, not many noble, not many of the great ones of the earth are Christians.
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. - Matthew 19:24
It can be easy to miss the point that Jesus is making here. Jesus is talking about a real camel and a real needle with an eye. Is it possible for a real camel to go through the eye of a real needle? I think we know the answer. It is impossible, but would it be possible for God to put a camel through a needle’s eye? Well, God is not in that business, but He could do it. And only God can change the heart of a man or a woman. That is the point Jesus is making here. 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.
Many people today think they are going to be saved by who they are or by what they have. As long as a person feels he can do something or pay God for salvation, he can no more be saved than a camel can be put through the eye of a needle.
When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? - Matthew 19:25
Listen to Jesus’ answer.
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. - Matthew 19:26
This is the explanation. As far as any person is concerned, regardless of who you are, you are a candidate for salvation if you recognize that you have nothing to offer God but come to Him like a beggar with empty hands. When you come to Him like that, believing and being baptized, He can save you. With God all things are possible.
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