Uncommen: But Godናሙና

But God: With God, All Things Are Possible


The Rich Young Ruler.


Jesus has just had a lengthy conversation with a rich young ruler who had many possessions.Jesus has told his disciples that it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples are astonished by this saying.

Matthew 19:25-26 - "When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"

Ultimately, salvation is only possible because of God. Jesus' work on the cross is what made salvation possible. If it required any amount of man's work, we would spend eternity in hell. Thankfully, it's all God. First, however, let's back up for a moment.

Earlier in our passage, the rich young ruler asks Jesus to list the commandments he needed to keep:

Jesus responded by saying 

• You shall not murder. 
• You shall not commit adultery. 
• You shall not steal. 
• You shall not bear false witness. 
• Honor your father and your mother. 
• You shall love your neighbor as yourself.


Foolishly, the ruler thinks that he has kept these commandments. However, Jesus responds by saying:

Matthew 19:21 - "Jesus said to him, 'If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'"


Matthew Henry, about verse 21, says, "Christ knew that covetousness was the sin which most easily beset this young man; though he had got honestly what he possessed, yet he could not cheerfully part with it, and by this his want of sincerity was shown."


If our obedience is meant to be our ticket to Heaven, we will be saddened by the reality. Our obedience is never enough. We will always fail. We will sin. We are but filthy rags.

BUT GOD!

God has given his believers eternal salvation and rescue from judgment. Thank you, God!

Uncommen Questions:


Why can't we make it to heaven on our own?

How can we trust Christ?

Uncommen Challenge:


God is gracious, merciful, and deserving of our awe. Trust him.