Bible Discussion Thread

For some years, I was puzzled by the reference to a camel going through the eye of a needle. I saw it as a fanciful illustration. Then I discovered that in those days, the gates into the city were shut, but a small entrance in the gate could be opened to let in one person at a time. Yes, it was called "the needle gate". So, when the merchant arrived at the gate with his camel laden with his possessions, the camel had to kneel at the gate, whilst the merchant took all the goods from his back. Only then could the camel, with some difficulty, crawl through the needle gate, but the goods had to be left outside. I have always treasured this understanding that it is what we are, not what we possess, that is important. The worship of worldly goods must be laid aside if we are to gain entrance to the kingdom of God.