With man it is impossible, but not with God.
Jesus' answer to the question that stumped the disciples — who then can be saved?
The episode in a glance.
- 01The rich young ruler had just walked away sad.
- 02The disciples asked: who then can be saved?
- 03Jesus says: with man impossible, with God all things possible.
- 04Salvation is God's miracle, not human achievement.
Read along.
Mark 10:27 — 'Jesus looked at them and said, With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.' This comes right after the rich young ruler walks away grieving.
The disciples are shocked. If a rich, moral, religious man can't be saved, who can? Their question is honest. Their assumption is that wealth and morality are advantages. Jesus says they're actually obstacles.
'With man it is impossible.' This is absolute. Human effort, human goodness, human religion — none of it can bridge the gap between us and God. Not because we're bad at trying. Because the gap is too big.
'But not with God.' The pivot is God. What man cannot do, God can. Not because he has better resources. Because he is God. Salvation is his miracle, not our achievement.
'For all things are possible with God.' This isn't a prosperity promise. It's a salvation promise. The thing you cannot earn, God can give. That's the gospel.