“The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible.”
Matthew 19:25-26 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.19.25-26.NLT
At the heart of the truth of Christ is the declaration that we cannot save ourselves, but with God, through Jesus Christ, we can be saved.
Reflection
The specific context for this verse is a conversation with an upstanding young man who is very thoughtful, moral, and responsible. He is keeping the law of God. The young man still believes that he must do something more than what he is already doing to be saved.
Pick up the conversation he has with Jesus: “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” Matthew 19:20-22 NLT.
Remember the young man’s question of Jesus: What else must I do to save myself and have eternal life?
He is living a very responsible life and is trying to save himself. He has wealth, security, and influence. He is a person of good standing in the community. He is moral and ethical, working diligently to keep the law of God.
Yet, he senses that something isn’t complete. There is something else he needs to do.
Jesus cuts to the chase with him by inviting him to come and follow Christ once he is willing to set aside his own efforts and resources devoted to saving himself.
As the disciples see this conversation unfold, and the young, moral, wealthy man’s response to Jesus, they are left with the question we all have: “If someone that good can’t be saved, then who can?”
It’s a fair question. Here is what Jesus wants the disciples to understand:
- It is impossible for any one person to save themselves from the sin that separates them from God.
- It is possible for God to save anyone from their sin through Christ.
- Christ invites us to believe, trust, and follow him to be saved.
- To follow Christ, we surrender our own efforts and resources focused on trying to save ourselves.
The issue always comes up as to whether Jesus meant all of us must sell or give away everything we have to follow him.
Peter was even concerned about this: “Then Peter said to him, 'We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” Matthew 19:27 NLT.
Let me take you to some other words of Jesus recorded in all four of the gospel accounts to get at the deeper answer to this:
- “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” Matthew 10:39 NLT
- “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:25 NLT
- “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” Mark 8:35 NLT
- “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Luke 9:24 NLT
- “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.”
Luke 17:33 NLT
- “Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” John 12:25 NLT
Encouragement
Jesus is inviting us to come and follow him. By doing so, we will find life that lasts forever.
By contrast, he says that clinging to our lives and the things we have accumulated to support ourselves will not last, nor will it save us.
To be clear, Jesus saves us. He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Our good standing in society and wealth have no bearing on being saved. If that is what we are counting on, we will lose our own lives clinging to it.
When we follow Christ, all of our resources, character, and influence are surrendered to him for the good and perfect will of God. Nothing could be better for us than this!
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
We confess that we spend far too much time trying to save our own lives. We want the security and provision of what we have worked for to last as long as possible.
Yet, like the wealthy and moral young man, we know it is not enough. There is something beyond our reach. We know we cannot save ourselves.
Thank you for making it clear that our belief, trust, and confidence are in you. It is with you where life is found and lived.
We freely give our lives into your care for you to save and lead us into life forever in the Kingdom of God. All we are and have is surrendered to you. This is the very best way to live.
Thank you.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell