[felipeerias]

Within the context of Matthew 19, it is clear that the goal was to provide an impossible example. The whole conversation doesn't make sense otherwise.

Furthermore, the image of a camel trying to get through the eye of a needle is extremely memorable, which was very important for transmission in the oral culture of the time. Notice that this expression is still used regularly in many languages.

————

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me.”

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, 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.”

When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

————

[tomohawk]

The point being that if you want a relationship with him, you have to be willing to give up everything and trust him only. Those who are wealthy are unwilling to give up their trust in their wealth, but by God's grace, they may be able to do just that. In the case of the young man, he chose to trust in his wealth instead of Jesus. There are accounts in Acts of wealthy people being part of the church.