“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:24–26 (NIV)
I sympathize with the disciples. God’s commandments felt overwhelming, and they wanted encouragement. Perhaps a pat on the back and “At least you’re trying your best.” Instead, Jesus said disruptive things like “It’s worse than you thought. To meet God’s standards, it’s not enough to avoid killing a man, you can’t even call him a fool (Matthew 5:22). Even the rich and powerful can’t find an easy entry into the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24).” Was Jesus making salvation seem impossible? In a way, yes.
At the end of the day, I’m tempted to calculate my virtue, decide I’ve done a bit more good than bad, and congratulate myself for achieving a bit of “righteousness.” We humans are prone to rely on ourselves, believing we can solve our own problems. Jesus turns that thinking upside down and reminds us that we are helpless to reach the kingdom of God by our own efforts. But then Jesus continues with the Good News: with God, all things are possible. Eternal salvation is possible through Christ.
Since Jesus has solved the unsolvable problem of sin and granted the way of salvation through His sacrifice, then all our other unsolvable problems are also safe in His care.
Faith Step: Think of one problem. Thank Jesus that in Him all things are possible.
