Matthew 19:26

Matthew 19:26 states: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”

Commentary

This verse is part of a larger narrative where a rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, which the man finds difficult. The disciples, astonished at Jesus’ teaching that it’s hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, ask who then can be saved. Jesus responds with the verse in question, indicating that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine gift [5].

In the context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, this verse underscores the doctrine of sola gratia, or grace alone, one of the five solas of the Reformation [2]. This doctrine teaches that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace and is not something we can earn or merit. It’s a reminder that our faith and salvation are not based on our abilities or resources but on God’s power and mercy [5].

Application to Modern Christian Living

This verse encourages Christians to rely not on their own strength but on God’s. It challenges the modern notion of self-sufficiency, reminding us that we are dependent on God for everything, including our salvation [5]. It also provides comfort, assuring us that no matter how insurmountable our problems may seem, nothing is impossible with God [5].

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