As to the Jerusalem gate, there is also no evidence it doesn't exist. This is the same argument that has been used regarding the existence of the Pool of Saloam, and many, many other archealogical discoveries. Jesus didn't say it was impossible for a rich man to pass through the eye of the needle, which it would be for a person to pass through a needle, like those used to sew. Therefore, it would have to mean the Jeruselem gate, which requited bowing down, bye the bye. The passage referred to the rich man's unwillingness to give up his riches, because he had made them his god, and no I don't think you'll find anything that says that verbatem. Some people make their wives their god, others a car, a fine home, etc. God says to have no others before Him.

Here's a wikipedia notation that explains some of this.:
Another common explanation of the figure, is that Jesus was referring to a certain gate in Jerusalem called Needle's Eye. This entry-point was built like the eye of a needle and so low that a camel could pass only if it entered kneeling and unencumbered with baggage. The lesson would then be that an eternal inheritance awaits those who unburden themselves of sin, and in particular, the things of this world. Also, kneeling represents submission and humility, which are required to enter into heaven. Although there is no historical evidence that such a gate ever existed, through frequent repetition the idea has attained the status of virtual dogma in some circles.[4]

"Zondervan's Pictorial Bible Dictionary" has a picture of a large city gate with a small door in it about four feet high and makes the following claim in the caption: "The Jaffa Gate in the wall of Jerusalem, showing the 'Needle's Eye.' Small doors such as this were common features of the gates of ancient cities; humans could pass through fairly easily, but large animals, such as camels, had to be unloaded and then had to kneel to get through, even then with difficulty."[citation needed]

John


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>And the passage you quoted - did it mean the same thing then as now? What was the situation then as opposed to now. With respect to the 'needle', if you're referring to the Jerusalem gate that you have to crawl through, there is no historical evidence that such a gate ever existed, so why would I assume Jesus was referring to it? If you're referring to something else, then I'm afraid I must plead ignorance.
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>I've read the chapters in all three books over and I can't find anywhere that it says he was worshipping his money. Can you point me to the passage that says that? What I glean from the result of Jesus telling him to give up his wealth to the poor is that he wanted his money more than he wanted the poor to have it. How is that different from what many people here are espousing? And before you get all pointy finger at me, yes, I want what I have more too. I figure I give enough of it away to charities.
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>>>Here's something else the Bible says:
>>>
>>>Luke:18:18-24
>>>18:18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
>>>18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
>>>18:20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
>>>18:21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
>>>18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
>>>18:23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
>>>18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
>>>
>>>See also Mark: 10:17-25 and Matthew: 19:16-24
>>>
>>>Fortunately, I'm not religious, so I don't have to give anything away. ;)