Luke 18:27 declares, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (ESV), spoken by Jesus to emphasize that salvation is a divine work rather than human effort. Following the story of the rich young ruler, it highlights that human efforts cannot earn eternal life, making God’s intervention necessary.
Key Context and Meaning
- Context: Jesus says this after stating 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.
- Meaning: Human efforts, riches, or self-righteousness cannot secure salvation; only God can transform hearts and provide salvation.
- Significance: It serves as a reminder that God can do what humans cannot, including overcoming worldly obstacles to bring about repentance and salvation.
Cross-References
- Luke 1:37: “For nothing will be impossible with God”.
- Jeremiah 32:17: “…Nothing is too hard for you”.
- Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things…”.