In a world with thousands of religions to choose from we need to understand that only one is right. It's the one religion that God has ordained. The one that requires faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. So who then can be saved? Well, let's explore the lesson.
A Lesson on Matthew 19:26
"But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
Introduction:
Good morning, beloved. Today, we are going to explore the profound truth captured in this single verse from Matthew 19:26. Jesus’ words are both a reminder and an invitation—a reminder of our human limitations and an invitation to trust in God's boundless, redeeming power. Let us get into the context, the message, and the application of this scripture in our lives.
I. The Context: A Hard Teaching
This verse comes from a dialogue between Jesus and His disciples, following the encounter with the rich young ruler. The young man had asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus, knowing his heart, told him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The man went away sorrowful because he was very wealthy.
The disciples, astonished, asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responded with this statement: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
This moment highlights two key truths:
- Human Effort Falls Short: The disciples realized the challenge of salvation when seen through the lens of human capability. Wealth, effort, or status cannot secure eternal life.
- God's Sovereign Power: Jesus redirects their focus to God, who alone has the power to bring about salvation and transform the impossible into the possible.
II. The Message: God’s Power in Our Weakness
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Human Limitations Are Real:
Often, we face situations where our strength, wisdom, and resources fail. Whether it’s a broken relationship, an illness, or a struggle with sin, we find ourselves saying, “I can’t do this.” That’s exactly where God wants us—aware of our need for Him.As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Acknowledging our limitations is the first step to experiencing His limitless grace.
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God’s Possibilities Are Limitless:
Jesus’ statement, “With God all things are possible,” is not mere optimism—it is the truth of God's character. Throughout Scripture, we see God defying human expectations:- He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites.
- He brought a child to Abraham and Sarah in their old age.
- He raised Jesus from the dead, conquering sin and death.
These acts remind us that God's power is not confined by human understanding. When we trust Him, the impossible becomes possible.
III. Application: Living in God’s Possibilities
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Trust Him in Salvation:
This verse is a direct reminder that salvation is not something we earn but something God accomplishes. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares that we are saved by grace through faith. No matter how far we think we’ve fallen, God’s grace can reach us. -
Trust Him in Daily Challenges:
- Is there a mountain in your life that seems insurmountable?
- A prayer that feels unanswered?
- A dream or goal that seems unattainable?
Remember, what is impossible for you is entirely possible for God. Trust His timing, His methods, and His purposes. Mark 9:23 says that all things are possible to them that believe. Meaning, putting your faith in God and not yourself.
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Surrender Completely:
The rich young ruler couldn’t fully surrender to Jesus because he was clinging to his wealth. What are you holding onto today that prevents you from trusting and believing in God fully? Let go, and allow His power to work through your surrender.
Conclusion:
As we close, let this verse inspire us to shift our perspective. Instead of dwelling on our impossibilities, let us fix our eyes on God’s infinite possibilities. Jesus’ words are not just a promise—they are an invitation to live a life of faith, where God does what we cannot.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your power and Your faithfulness. Teach us to trust You in all things, knowing that You are the God of the impossible. Help us to surrender our lives to You completely and to walk in faith, believing that with You, all things are possible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Go forth this week, knowing that the God who made this promise is the same yesterday, today, and forever. With Him, all things are possible!