Matthew 19:26
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus's words here aren't just about rich people; they address the core human struggle to achieve anything apart from God. He's saying that not just the rich man's salvation, but any salvation, is utterly impossible when we rely on our own strength or efforts. This points to a deeper truth: all genuine spiritual achievement begins with acknowledging our absolute dependence on divine power.
After Jesus declares how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a camel passing through a needle's eye, his disciples are stunned and ask, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responds by emphasizing that while this salvation is impossible for humans relying on their own strength, it is entirely possible with God's divine power.
Why did Jesus say it's easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich person to enter the kingdom? It's not just about money, but where we place our trust.
Jesus is directly addressing the disciples' shock after he described the difficulty rich people face in entering the kingdom of heaven. The issue isn't wealth itself, but the inherent tendency for those with abundant resources to rely on their possessions rather than on God. This reliance creates a powerful 'stumbling block,' making it incredibly hard for them to acknowledge their need for divine grace.
Think about it: when you have everything you need, and more, it's easy to feel self-sufficient. Riches can breed a false sense of security, leading people to believe they have things under control and don't need God. This 'confidence in riches' (as Mark's Gospel clarifies) builds a wall between a person and the humility required to enter God's kingdom.
When we hit a wall of 'impossible,' Jesus points us to the One who can shatter it. This isn't about lowering standards, but raising our sights to God's power.
Jesus doesn't leave us in despair when He declares something 'impossible' for humans. Instead, He immediately pivots to the boundless power of God. The disciples were grappling with the implication that salvation, particularly for the rich, seemed out of reach. Jesus' response is a profound declaration of God's omnipotence.
This isn't a magic wand that makes sin irrelevant. Rather, it's the divine enablement that overcomes the very barriers that make salvation impossible for us. God's power can penetrate the deepest self-reliance, transform hearts that are entangled with wealth, and bring even the most unlikely individuals into His kingdom. It's a reminder that our spiritual journey isn't a solo performance but a work of God's grace that enables us to do what we never could on our own.
Understand the original words
adynatos · Greek Adjective
To be unable to be done, attained, or accomplished by human effort or ability. In Scripture, this often highlights human limitation in the face of salvation or moral perfection.
This verse echoes Jesus' statement by reminding believers that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them, highlighting the divine enablement necessary for seemingly impossible tasks.
Jeremiah 32:17The prophet Jeremiah exclaims, 'Ah, Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm. There is nothing too hard for thee.' This reflects the same awe for God's omnipotence that Jesus points to in response to human limitation.
Luke 1:37The angel Gabriel tells Mary, 'For with God nothing shall be impossible,' directly paralleling Jesus' assurance that the humanly impossible is achievable with God, particularly in the context of miraculous divine intervention.
Romans 8:28This passage states that 'all things work together for good' for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. It points to God's sovereign ability to bring about His good purposes, even from situations that appear impossible or disastrous to humans.
Genesis 18:14God asks Abraham, 'Is anything too hard for the Lord?' This rhetorical question mirrors the sentiment of Matthew 19:26, emphasizing that human limitations are irrelevant when faced with God's unlimited power and ability.
calvinMatthew 19:23-26: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven."
- And Jesus said to his disciples, Verily I say to you, A rich man will with difficulty enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24. Again I say to you, It is easier for a camel [630] to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25. And his disciples, when they had heard these things, were greatly amazed, [631] say…
bengelMatthew 19:26: "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26 . Ἑμβλέψας , having looked upon ) in order to fix the thoughts of the terrified disciples. Jesus taught many things even by His look and by the expression of His countenance. This look first moved Matthew, once a publican.— εἶπεν , said ) with the greatest sweetness.— ἀδύνατον , impossible ) more even than morally impossible.— πάντα , all things ) Therefor…
Jesus's words here aren't just about rich people; they address the core human struggle to achieve anything apart from God. He's saying that not just the rich man's salvation, but any salvation, is utterly impossible when we rely on our own strength or efforts. This points to a deeper truth: all genuine spiritual achievement begins with acknowledging our absolute dependence on divine power.
After Jesus declares how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a camel passing through a needle's eye, his disciples are stunned and ask, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responds by emphasizing that while this salvation is impossible for humans relying on their own strength, it is entirely possible with God's divine power.
After Jesus declares how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a camel passing through a needle's eye, his disciples are stunned and ask, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responds by emphasizing that while this salvation is impossible for humans relying on their own strength, it is entirely possible with God's divine power.
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"But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”" — Jesus's words here aren't just about rich people; they address the core human struggle to achieve anything apart from God. He's saying that not just the rich man's salvation, but any salvation, is…
