Hyperbole

In 101 Dalmatians, one of the puppies, Rollie, says to his mother, “I'm so hungry, I could eat a whole elephant.” That’s an exaggerated speech or hyperbole. Other examples include, “My feet are killing me,” “That plane ride took forever,” “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times,” and “It was so funny, I died laughing.”

The rich ruler who couldn’t sell his wealth went away greatly grieving (peri-lupos), Luke 18:18–27, which made Jesus greatly sorrowful, too (peri-lupos), 18:24a. So, he said,

“How difficult it is for those with much wealth to enter God’s rule” (18:24b).

This has been historically true of any kingdom, rule, religion, or party. Poor people easily accept an invitation to enter someone’s rule, kingdom, religion, or party because it promises them a better life. Not so the rich people—they already have what they want. So, they are hesitant to enter any rule, including God’s rule. The Lord then said a hyperbole,

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s rule” (18:25).

Some scholars have proposed that there was a gate (entrance) in Jerusalem called the Camel Gate. It was smaller than the large gate, and as such, camels often found it difficult to enter through it unless they stooped down. Perhaps Jesus referred to that gate, although we have no archeological or historical evidence for such a gate.

Most likely, the Lord said a hyperbole, exaggerated speech, where a large animal like a camel couldn’t go through the eye of any needle (often used to stick sacs). Such hyperbole, then, explains the power of God.

When those who heard Jesus say,

“How can anyone be saved or rescued?” (18:26).

He comforted them, saying,

“Those impossible things for people are possible things for God” (18:27).

Yes, humanly speaking, the rich would find it difficult to enter any rule, kingdom, religion, or party, but when God wanted them to, he would make it possible. Nothing was impossible for God, not even to draw that rich ruler to himself.  

Some have postulated that this rich ruler was Saul, who became the Apostle Paul because, in his autobiography, he referred to covetousness as his sin:

“I would not have known what covetousness is unless the law said, “You must not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, brought about in me all kinds of covetousness” (Rom 7:7–8).

A parallel gospel says that Jesus loved that young ruler (Mark 10:21). Plus, Paul would have been from a rich family for his parents to be free Roman citizens and sent him from Tarsus to Jerusalem to study under Gamaliel (like people from Asia going to Europe or America to study). Perhaps it was Saul-Paul or someone like him. Regardless, God could do impossible tasks like turning a persecutor into a proclaimer. Even that rich ruler had a second chance.

One of our supporting churches has a missionary working with Hollywood actors, actresses, producers, etc. Another church I know in India has missionaries among prostitutes and pimps. No one should be thought of as people who can’t enter God’s rule. Everything is possible with God, and everyone is within the realm of his grace.