God makes the impossible, possible!
Mark 10:27- Jesus looked at them and said, “For people, it is impossible, but not for God, because all things are possible for God.” (EHV)
Two questions were asked of Jesus. What must I do to be saved…and who then can be saved? The rich man was hoping for a positive response to his question…a to-do list so he can be sure he would have eternal life. That to-do list exposed him to the impossible. He had to give up his riches to the poor and follow Jesus. This response from Jesus exposed his true god of wealth that only led to death and destruction. He could never enter eternal life by doing…it was impossible. This is why, when he left Jesus, he was sad and grieving. Now when Jesus turned to his disciples, they came to the same conclusion that eternal life and salvation is impossible. If a rich man who was blessed with these riches could not enter eternal life, then there would be no hope for the poor who are not blessed in such a way. Who then can be saved? The logical conclusion is no one!
They would end in the same place as that rich man, sad and grieving because it would be impossible for them to be saved by human means. It is easier for camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man or anyone to enter the kingdom of God. This would include you and me! We tend to point out the good things we do for the Lord as reasons why we are worthy of the Lord’s salvation. However, those good things we love to point out become our god that leads us to death and destruction. It is impossible for us to save ourselves. But before you become sad and grieving, Jesus makes a bold statement. Jesus looked at them and said, “For people, it is impossible, but not for God, because all things are possible for God.”
This is exactly what Jesus wanted to give the rich man. This is what he gave to his disciples. This is what Jesus gives to you and me! God makes the impossible possible and he used his own Son to accomplish this impossible task. Jesus emptied himself from all this glory and took on himself our flesh and blood, only to offer it up on the cross. He brought us into his kingdom, and he gifted us eternal life. This is why we are no longer sad and grieving. God has done the impossible and saved us by his grace!
Dear Father, thank you for doing the impossible and saving us from our sin and giving us eternal life through your Son. Help us turn away from ourselves and follow Jesus so that we remain confident that we belong to your kingdom now and forever. In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen!