And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Jesus has just shocked His disciples by saying it's impossible for rich people to enter God's kingdom — something that would've blown their minds since wealth was seen as God's blessing. When they express disbelief, Jesus doubles down: human effort can't accomplish salvation, but God's power has no limits. The 'impossible' isn't just about rich people — it's about anyone trying to earn their way to God.
God of the impossible, I've been trying to pick the lock on problems You're planning to kick wide open. Forgive my small faith and my smaller dreams. Take my impossible — the ones I've named and the ones I'm afraid to speak — and do what only You can do. Amen.
The disciples grew up believing wealth proved God's favor. Then Jesus drops this bomb: your spiritual resume, your giving record, your church attendance — none of it can muscle open heaven's door. Peter's probably thinking, "Then who can be saved?" And Jesus looks him dead in the eye with this wild statement that flips everything upside down. You know that thing you think disqualifies you from being used by God? That addiction you kicked but still feel shame about, that divorce you never mention at Bible study, that secret fear you're one mistake away from being God's disappointment? Jesus isn't asking you to try harder. He's asking you to stop trying and start trusting the God who specializes in impossible comebacks and dead things walking. The pressure's off — salvation was never your project to finish.
What 'impossible' situation in your life feels like a locked door right now?
If salvation isn't earned but received, how does this change how you view people who seem 'far from God'?
Why might Jesus have chosen rich people as His example rather than murderers or thieves?
What's the difference between trusting God with the impossible versus using God to get what you want?
Who in your life needs to hear that their mess isn't too messy for God, and how will you tell them this week?
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:27
Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Genesis 18:14
And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
Numbers 11:23
Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
Jeremiah 32:17
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Luke 18:27
I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Job 42:2
Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."
AMP
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
ESV
Looking at them, Jesus said, 'With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.'
NASB
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
NIV
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
NKJV
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
NLT
Jesus was blunt: "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it."
MSG