Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 WEB
As Jesus traveled into Judea beyond the Jordan River, multitudes of people met with him to receive his teaching. Some sought the Lord in sincerity, others were curious, and those such as the Pharisees came to test Jesus’ knowledge.
Among those who sought Christ was a wealthy man who questioned him saying in Mark 10:17, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? WEB” It is from this encounter that we get the teaching that “all things are possible with God.”
Jesus responded as he would to the Pharisees who questioned him. He answered with the word of God from the ten commandments given by Moses. These commands generally convict mankind of falling short of the righteousness and glory of God. This is so because we have all violated them in one way or another.
God’s Commandments
Jesus quoted portions of the law given in Exodus. But first, he said to the man in Mark 10:18, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one – God. WEB” Christ followed saying in Mark 10:19, “You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ WEB”
However, the rich man informed the Lord that he had followed these laws since his youth. Jesus looked at the man with love and added in Mark 10:21, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross. WEB”
This caused sorrow in the rich man. The love of material wealth can be an impediment to a life of serving God. As we read in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. WEB”
Saved by Grace
The trouble with the man was his question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? WEB” With God all things are possible, but without faith in Christ, a man must be perfect to receive eternal life and every man falls short. In other words, we are saved by grace and not by our own deeds. It is not possible for man to save himself.
Jesus asserts in Mark 10:25, “It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom. WEB” His disciples are astonished and wonder “who can be saved?” Jesus responds with these famous words from Mark 10:27 revealing that salvation is of God and not man as he says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the saving grace of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank you that all things are possible because of you. Show me where I can serve your kingdom. Help me to serve according to your will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Pray to Your Father
