Gospel in Art: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle

You want me to do What? Part of the Pastor Shep Series © Pastor Shep by Susan Mattinson

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 19 August 2025
Matthew 19:23-30

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, 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.'

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'

But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'

Then Peter said in reply, 'See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?'

Jesus said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children or lands for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.'

Reflection on the Cartoon Drawing

Just like religion, humour is a vital part of what makes us human. Both are liberating, life-giving, and deeply healthy. That's why, when we look at humorous cartoons, we should approach them with the same respect we give to any other art form, because they speak to truth in a way that is sharp, insightful, and often unforgettable. After all, Jesus drew crowds wherever He went, and He must have had a personality that was charismatic, disarming, and utterly compelling. It is not hard to imagine that He used humour, not to mock, but to connect, to challenge, and to bring the truth of God's Word to life. He didn't simply teach, He captivated!

Take, for instance, yesterday's Gospel reflection following the story of the rich young man who wanted to follow Jesus but in the end couldn't give up his riches to answer the call. Jesus, continuing the conversation in today's Gospel reading, says, "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." The image is startling, absurd even - and that's exactly the point. Like a cartoonist with a bold stroke, Jesus exaggerates to illuminate.

The rich man in the Gospel was sincere, even admirable. He longed for salvation, but saw it as something to be acquired, something 'he could do' to earn. But Jesus shifts the focus. Salvation isn't just in the doing, it's mainly 'in the being': in allowing ourselves to be transformed, made more Christ-like. Just as a cartoon hammers home its message with visual overstatement, Jesus uses unforgettable metaphors (camels, needles, planks in eyes...) to shake us up and awaken us. And all these images lead to one truth: salvation isn't earned by effort alone, it is received as a gift of grace.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-19-23-30-2025/