On the Road to Jerusalem: Impossible with Men

“But He said, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’"—Luke 18:27

The story of the rich young ruler is a cautionary tale for those attempting to serve both God and money.  The story centers on a certain rich young ruler who had come to Jesus seeking to know what he needed to do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus had told him about the commandments, which the young man maintains he has kept.  When Jesus heard this He said, “One thing you still lack.  Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”—Luke 19:22.  At this the young man went away depressed because he had great riches (Luke 18:23).  Upon seeing his reaction, Jesus says,

"How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For 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."—Luke 19:24-25. 

Astonished at His words, those who heard it questioned Him: “Then who can be saved?”  Such a thought staggered their imagination.  The wealthy were given all sorts of privileges, and money was most often thought of a means of God’s blessing.  The idea that the wealthy would have a more difficult time entering the kingdom of God violated everything they thought they knew.  But Jesus says, “What is impossible with men is possible with God"—Luke 16:27.  What Jesus wanted to communicate is that man cannot merit salvation. It is a reminder of God’s words to Isaiah,

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are My ways higher than your ways
   and My thoughts than your thoughts”
—Isaiah 55:8-9. 

God wants our heart.  Our money can’t get us to heaven or get us any points in the sight of God.  It is only because of what Jesus did on the cross that we can be saved.  Jesus’ words are a reminder to us that we must be on guard against the love of money (see 1 Timothy 6:16). Money can make us think that we are more independent and good than we actually are. We must be continually reminded that it is by God’s grace alone that we are saved (see Ephesians 2:8-9). 

Lord, by Your majestic grace and mercy do we come before You.  Lord, search us and know us, and remove any offensive way within us.  Lord, we know that You alone have given us the ability to have and make wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).  Help us to put money in its proper place and keep us from loving it.  Help us to look to You alone for provision and not depend on anything else for our comfort or peace. Amen.