The Possible // Matthew 19:26

“With God, all things are possible.” Does this bring you hope? I pray it does, because I believe it. The context of this verse comes on the heels of Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler…the one Christ ultimately told to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This was hard news for the rich man, because of where he placed his hope; i.e., in his stuff. The disciples after hearing this were confronted with their own misconception about what it takes to enter heaven — it isn’t wealth or what you can do with it, but obedience and faith. The disciples asked Jesus how anyone can get to heaven without riches, which gives us the pith of today’s verse, “Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’” Boiling this down, we will be lost if we think there is anything in our human abilities, achievements, or acquisitions that can get us to heaven. We can only get to heaven through Jesus. Jesus said this Himself while explaining His parable of the Good Shepherd; check out what He said as recorded in John 10:9, “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved.” So, if you are struggling with what you can do, buy, get, etc. in order to get to heaven, the only thing that makes it possible is to give your life to Jesus, place your trust in Him, and follow where He leads. Since He is the gate to eternity, you will never be led astray. With Him, you will know that He is the possible. Amen!