10:23,24
The general belief was that those who had riches were blessed by God, hence the shock value of Jesus’ words, and the disciples’ reaction. When we say something that causes a reaction we then tend to soften what we have said, not wishing to offend anyone. Jesus usually does the exact opposite, He makes the offence even more stark, and that is the case here. He tells the disciples that it is very difficult to enter the kingdom of God. Note that He also calls them “children”. There are two things about His use of the word children. The first is a general sense of affection. Jesus is saying harsh things, but He does so in love, and it will be for the best. Secondly, remember that a few verses ago He said must enter the kingdom as a child (Mark 10:15). So there would seem to be an implication that while it is difficult to get into the kingdom, the disciples actually are in the kingdom.
10:25
Then, just in case the disciples haven’t grasped the point (which given their track record, is quite possible) Jesus tells them that 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 is a very well known statement of Jesus. The “eye of a needle” is the eye of a needle, ie the bit at the top of a needle, not a particular gate in the walls of Jerusalem. Ie getting a camel through the eye of a needle was not just difficult, but absolutely impossible (see 10:27).
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