New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 19:26

The Cost of Following

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 19:26, in plain English

Jesus looks at them and says, 'With people, this is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.'

Why it's here

This is the heart of the gospel in one sentence. You can't earn your way in, but God can bring you in.

Who's speaking

Jesus gives the most hope-filled answer imaginable.

Where it sits in the story

When it looks impossible — and it is — God steps in. Salvation isn't your achievement. It's His gift.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus looks at them (emblepsas) and declares that while salvation is impossible for humans (para anthrōpois), 'with God all things are possible' (para de theō panta dynata) — salvation is entirely God's work.

Language and setting

This echoes Genesis 18:14 (the birth of Isaac) and Job 42:2, affirming that salvation belongs to God's sovereign power, not human capability.

Voice

Jesus delivers one of the most important soteriological statements in the Gospels.

Significance

Jesus gives the answer that changes everything: humans cannot save themselves, but God can do what is impossible.

In context

Matthew 19:24–28

24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

26Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?”

28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.

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