Matthew 19:26

Commentary on Matthew 19:26

The Text

Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

1. Immediate Context: Matthew 19

Matthew 19[i] presents a series of encounters that expose human inability and divine sufficiency. The chapter includes teaching on marriage and divorce (Matthew 19:1–12), Jesus’ welcome of little children (Matthew 19:13–15), and the encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–22). It culminates in Jesus’ teaching on the difficulty of entering the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23–30).

The verse under consideration arises directly from the disciples’ shock at Jesus’ statement that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

Matthew 19:24 “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

The disciples respond with a question that reveals their assumptions about human capability and merit.

Matthew 19:25 “When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?”

Jesus’ answer in Matthew 19:26 is not merely a reassurance; it is a theological declaration about salvation, human inability, and divine sovereignty.

2. Exegetical Analysis of Matthew 19:26

“But Jesus beheld them”

Jesus looks at His disciples with deliberate attention. The verb “beheld” suggests a steady, searching gaze. He is not dismissive of their confusion; He meets it with pastoral clarity. His response is not abstract theology but personal instruction.

“With men this is impossible”

This phrase is a direct affirmation of human inability. In the context of salvation, Jesus teaches that no person can save himself. Wealth, status, moral effort, or religious performance cannot overcome the barrier of sin.

This aligns with broader biblical teaching:

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”

Ephesians 2:1 “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

Human beings are not merely weak; they are spiritually dead. Salvation by human effort is impossible.

“But with God all things are possible”

This is not a general motivational slogan. It is a theological statement about God’s sovereign power to save. What is impossible for humanity is entirely possible for God. He alone can bring a sinner to repentance, grant faith, and give new life.

This aligns with the Christian emphasis on monergistic salvation: God alone acts to save, and His grace is effectual.

John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.”

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Jesus’ statement is therefore a declaration of divine sovereignty and grace.

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3. Theological Teaching

3.1 Human Inability

Matthew 19:26 affirms the doctrine of total inability. Human beings cannot save themselves, cannot produce saving faith, and cannot overcome the power of sin without divine intervention.

3.2 Divine Sovereignty

God alone accomplishes salvation. He does not merely make salvation possible; He effectually brings it about. Salvation is not a cooperative effort but a divine act of grace.

3.3 The Nature of Faith

Faith is not human achievement but God’s gift. The rich young ruler walked away sorrowful because he trusted in his wealth. The disciples marvelled because they assumed salvation was within human reach. Jesus corrects both misunderstandings.

3.4 The Kingdom of God

Entrance into the kingdom is not earned. It is granted. The impossibility of human salvation highlights the certainty of divine salvation.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

4.1 Humility before God

Christians must abandon any confidence in personal merit. Salvation, sanctification, and perseverance are all works of God. This produces humility, gratitude, and worship.

4.2 Confidence in God’s Power

Believers face situations that appear impossible: persistent sin, broken relationships, spiritual dryness, or overwhelming circumstances. Matthew 19:26 reminds Christians that God’s power is not limited by human weakness.

4.3 Prayerful Dependence

Because salvation and transformation are God’s work, Christians must be people of prayer. Prayer acknowledges dependence and invites divine action.

4.4 Hope for Others

No person is beyond God’s saving reach. The most resistant heart, the most broken life, or the most entrenched sin is not too difficult for God.

4.5 Freedom from Self-Reliance

Modern culture prizes self-sufficiency. Jesus teaches the opposite. Christians live by grace, not grit.

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5. Meditation Guide

5.1 Reflect

Sit quietly and consider the phrase: “With men this is impossible.” Where are you relying on your own strength? Where have you assumed that change is beyond reach?

5.2 Rehearse the Truth

Repeat slowly: “But with God all things are possible.” Let this truth confront your fears, doubts, and self-reliance.

5.3 Pray

Ask God to reveal areas where you trust yourself more than Him. Pray for renewed confidence in His power to save, sustain, and transform.

5.4 Apply

Choose one area of life where you will consciously depend on God today. Commit it to Him in prayer and act in faith.

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[i] Matthew 19

King James Version

19 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.