This passage talks about position and power, the value of welcoming children and the near impossibility of rich people entering the kingdom of heaven. The latter is what we're focusing on.
Jesus encounters a wealthy man and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Its nice to note that Jesus has compassion on the guy as "he looked at him and loved him". He recognised the mans earnestness in wanting to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him in response to sell everything he has and give to the poor but the man walks away sad which reflects a greater love for his earthly possessions than for eternal life.
Its also interesting to note that there is no indication that Jesus' command to him was meant for all christians. I think it only applies to those who have the same spirital problem of idolatory in earthly possessions.
Jesus also states that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:25). Apparently according to my study bible, the camel was the largest animal found in the holy land. This epic contrast between the largest animal and the smallest opening represents what humanly speaking is impossible. I think Jesus is again emphasising the danger the affects of money and earthly possessions can have on an individual. But lucky for us, he also states that "with man this is impossible, but now with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27).
Furthermore, there are often suggestions that the "eye of a needle" refers to a gate in Jerusalem which was small enough for a camel to lower itself and crawl through. I don't believe this is substantial for two reasons.
1) Jesus states "eye of a needle" and not "eye of the needle" which is what the gate was referred to as. I'm pretty sure Jesus being the son of God knew what he was trying to portray and the specifics of it. But hey it's one word. So i think the next point holds more validity.
2) For a camel to lower itself and walk through the gate implies that we also can try and "do" something (as in become less worldly and more humble) to enter the kindgom of God. But Ephesians 2: 8-9 says "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God not by works so that no-one can boast". Salvation is a free gift and it is credited to us by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and King. But that also does not give us an open pass to do whatever the heck we want and abuse his grace as Paul points out in Romans and also James in speaking on faith without deeds being dead.
Boasting about goodness always presents barriers in following Jesus and even more dangerous, it can open the door for pride to seep in. I guess the important thing is to realise that salavtion is by faith and not by works. The love for money and earthly attributes prevented this man from following Jesus, I wonder what doors, walls, eye of the needles and fences are prohibited me from doing the same.
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