Mark 10:25 states: "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." Jesus used a humorous and extreme exaggeration to show an absolute impossibility. A camel was the largest land animal in ancient times, and the eye of a sewing needle was the smallest opening. The verse follows an encounter with a wealthy young ruler who refused to give up his possessions to follow Jesus. Jesus taught that riches often create a false sense of self-sufficiency, making people trust in their wealth rather than God. The disciples were shocked because people at the time viewed wealth as a sign of God's special blessing. Jesus confirmed that saving oneself through human effort or riches is completely impossible.