The Impossible Possible

But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NRSVUE

Read Matthew 19:16-30

One day, a wealthy young man came to see Jesus. He was a good, God-fearing individual who had faithfully followed the Law of Moses. Upon asking Jesus what he lacked and hearing Jesus’ response to give away all he had and follow Jesus, he went away sad. The sadness came from his inability to let go of his material possessions.

The wealthy young man was good at following rules. He led a faithful, morally upright life. However, he couldn't do it when it came to giving his all–to letting go and trusting God’s providence fully.

Jesus continues telling the disciples that man alone can’t break free of the material things that bind them: wealth, status and power, physical appearance, and personal pleasure. We can’t do it alone; it is only possible with God’s help.

This brings us to an important truth: Jesus is the only one who can help us redirect our attention away from our sinful natural appetites and refocus on the lasting, eternal things. It is only through Jesus’ sacrificial act of giving his life for us that we can be freed. With his help:

Generosity and contentment replace the lust for material wealth. We become content with what we have rather than constantly seeking more. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)

Humility and service replace the passion for status and power. We die to ourselves, thinking of others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

Spiritual discipline replaces our obsessive seeking of entertainment. We grow in our relationship with God when we prioritize time for prayer, Bible study, and worship over excessive entertainment. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Inner virtues replace our narcissistic focus on how we look. We should focus on developing inner virtues like kindness, patience, and love rather than outward appearance. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)

Self-sacrifice and discipline replace the insatiable hunger for personal pleasure. Embracing self-discipline and the willingness to sacrifice personal pleasures for the sake of spiritual growth and helping others. “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” (Luke 9:23)

Ultimately, the story of the wealthy young man reminds us that our own efforts are insufficient to overcome the challenges and temptations of this world. It is only through God’s grace and power that we can truly transform our lives. Jesus invites us to let go of our earthly attachments and trust in Him completely. When we do, we find that what seems impossible for us becomes possible with God.

Let us remember that our journey of faith is not about our own strength or abilities but about relying on God’s limitless power and love. As we surrender our lives to Him, we experience true freedom and transformation.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that without You, we can do nothing. Help us to let go of the things that bind us and trust in Your providence. Transform our hearts and minds so that we may seek Your kingdom above all else. Strengthen us to live lives of generosity, humility, and self-discipline. We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who makes all things possible. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim