A camel through the eye of a needle

Jesus said it was easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than a rich man. (Matthew 19:24). Various explanations have been given for this statement, one being that there was a gate in the wall of Jerusalem which required the camels to bend their knees to go through it; this they refused to do. Another view is that it was commonly taught in those days that ones wealth was an indication of God's approval of you. What is clear is that Jesus is emphasising the need for humility and awareness of our absolute reliance on God Himself to be able to enter into His Kingdom. "For it is by grace you have been saved by faith, and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God, - not by works, so that no one can boast,". Ephesians 2:8-9