Unlimited: Who Then Can Be Saved? | Good News Unlimited
Unlimited: Who Then Can Be Saved?
May 30, 2024 1885
The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:26–27, NIV).
Jesus exclaimed, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” This statement shook the disciples to their core.
The issue for the disciples wasn’t so much that they were concerned about the salvation of others. They were concerned for themselves.
They just saw a man who seemed to meet all the requirements for heaven, according to their religion, be turned away by Jesus. He apparently kept the commandments, and he was rich. The way that they understood it, to be rich meant that God approved of you and that’s why he blessed you.
So, if it was so hard for rich people to be saved – people who obviously had God’s approval – what about them? The disciples were dirt poor.
Jesus’ answer to them is very simple: Salvation is impossible for men, but not for God. All things are possible for God.
Jesus is emphasising the important lesson that the disciples needed to learn: that salvation was not about man’s work, but that it was the work of God.
And Christians have struggled with this central concept since then.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection: Why do you think that this is so counter-intuitive to humanity? Where do you see God at work in you?