Today we consider part 2 of this conversation involving the rich young man, Jesus, and His disciples. Last week we left off right as the rich man was leaving Jesus. Jesus now turns to His disciples to finish the teaching, and He uses an exaggerated example about a camel squeezing through the eye of a needle to make His point. With man, it is absolutely impossible to enter the kingdom of God. There are many things, riches or otherwise, that would prevent us. It takes Jesus Himself squeezing through, bleeding and suffering, to save us. Of course, He also needs to squeeze us through in the process of dying to self and being sanctified. Join Pastor Smith as he walks through this challenging text and finds the good news that nothing is impossible with God.
The rich young man has just walked away sorrowful, and Jesus continues to teach His disciples…
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
This vivid metaphor isn’t limited to wealth—it’s a challenge to examine all the idols and obstacles that stand between us and the kingdom of God. Whether it’s pride, control, relationships, achievements, or comfort, these attachments weigh us down and make the path impossibly narrow. Just as the rich man’s possessions prevented him from fully following Jesus, our own idols can keep us from surrendering to Him.
“With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
Jesus Himself gets squeezed through the eye of the needle to save us.
Jesus also squeezes us through the eye of the needle, straining away all sinful idols and obstacles.
Sermon Discussion Questions | “Impossible Squeezes Are Possible With Jesus”
How do you deal with hearing and understanding difficult things Jesus says, such as “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God?”
What is the biggest obstacle or idol that consistently stands in your way when it comes to following Jesus?
What are some things that are impossible for us, but are possible for Jesus?
Describe what comes to mind when you think of Jesus squeezing through the eye of the needle. Then describe what comes to mind when you think of the process by which Jesus needs to squeeze YOU through the eye of the needle.
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