Luke 18:27 – “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.'”
Extended Explanation
In response to the crowd’s question in the previous verse—“Who then can be saved?”—Jesus gives a profound and hopeful answer: salvation, which is impossible for people to achieve on their own, is possible through God’s power. Human effort, wealth, good works, and even strict obedience to religious laws are not enough to bring a person into the kingdom of God. Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace.
Jesus’ statement reminds the crowd that what seems humanly impossible is well within God’s ability. When people face their limitations and realize they can’t earn their way into heaven, they are in the perfect position to receive God’s gift of salvation. This verse emphasizes the miraculous and gracious nature of salvation—it’s not something we achieve but something God makes possible through His love and power.
Historical Context
During Jesus’ time, many people believed that following the law of Moses and performing good deeds would earn them a place in heaven. The Pharisees, in particular, emphasized works-based righteousness and prided themselves on their outward obedience. Additionally, wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s favor, so many assumed that the rich were closer to God and more likely to be saved.
Jesus shattered this belief by teaching that no amount of human effort—whether through wealth, good works, or religious rituals—could save a person. His message was revolutionary: salvation depends entirely on God’s power and grace, not on human ability. This teaching would have been shocking to His audience but also deeply comforting, as it revealed that God’s kingdom is open to anyone who trusts in Him.
Theological Implications
This verse points to a core theological truth: salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we earn (Ephesians 2:8-9). Human beings are sinful and incapable of meeting God’s perfect standards on their own. No matter how hard they try, they will always fall short. But God, in His mercy, makes salvation possible through the work of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ statement also highlights the difference between human limitations and God’s unlimited power. What seems impossible from a human perspective—like a sinner being made right with a holy God—is possible because of God’s intervention. This truth underscores the need for humility and faith. Salvation is not about human effort but about trusting God to do what only He can do.
Additionally, this verse offers hope to those who feel overwhelmed by their failures or inadequacies. It assures them that God’s grace is sufficient to overcome any obstacle, including sin, weakness, and spiritual brokenness.
Literary Analysis
The structure of Jesus’ response is simple but profound. The contrast between “impossible with man” and “possible with God” is key to understanding the message. The phrase “impossible with man” emphasizes human inability and the futility of self-reliance when it comes to matters of salvation. In contrast, the phrase “possible with God” highlights God’s sovereignty and grace, showing that salvation is entirely His work.
The brevity of the statement adds to its impact. Jesus doesn’t provide a long explanation; instead, He delivers a clear and concise truth that shifts the focus from human effort to divine intervention. The simplicity of the statement reflects its universal applicability—no matter who you are or what you’ve done, salvation is possible through God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
- Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”
- Jeremiah 32:17 – “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
- Mark 10:27 – A parallel passage where Jesus makes the same statement about God’s power to save.
- Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
These verses reinforce the theme of God’s power and grace in salvation, showing that what is humanly impossible is possible with Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder to stop relying on their own efforts to earn God’s approval and to trust in His power and grace instead. Many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy, thinking they aren’t good enough to be saved or that they need to work harder to please God. Jesus’ words provide reassurance that salvation doesn’t depend on human effort but on God’s ability to do the impossible.
This verse also challenges Christians to have faith in God’s power to overcome any obstacle. Whether it’s a personal struggle with sin, a broken relationship, or a situation that seems hopeless, Jesus’ statement reminds believers that God can do what they cannot. It’s a call to surrender control, trust God’s plan, and believe that He is able to work miracles in their lives.
Finally, this verse encourages Christians to share the message of salvation with others. Since salvation is not about being “good enough” but about God’s grace, it is available to everyone, regardless of their past. Christians can confidently share the gospel, knowing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s saving power.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the fact that He doesn’t leave humanity in their helpless state. Although salvation is impossible for people to achieve on their own, God steps in and makes it possible through His grace. His love is not dependent on human performance—it is freely given to those who trust in Him.
God’s love is also evident in His patience and mercy. He understands that people are weak and sinful, but instead of abandoning them, He provides a way for them to be saved. His love is so great that He sent His Son, Jesus, to do what humans could never do—live a sinless life and pay the price for sin through His death and resurrection.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the key to understanding this verse because He is the one who makes the impossible possible. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. The salvation that is impossible for people to achieve is made possible through His sacrifice.
Jesus’ role as Savior shows that salvation is not about human effort but about trusting in what He has already done. His statement in this verse is a reminder that the work of salvation is finished—it’s not something we earn, but something we receive by faith in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own efforts instead of trusting in God’s power and grace?
- How does understanding that salvation is a gift from God change the way you approach your faith?
- Have you ever felt like your sins or failures were too great for God to forgive? How does this verse give you hope?
- What does it mean to you that God can do the “impossible” in your life, whether it’s salvation or a personal struggle?
- How can you encourage others who believe they are too far from God’s reach to understand the power of His grace?