Meaning of Luke 18:27

This statement by Jesus in Luke 18:27 serves as a profound affirmation of divine power in contrast to human limitations, spoken in response to a specific inquiry about salvation. The rich young ruler, having meticulously observed the Law, asked what he still lacked to inherit eternal life. His question, while seemingly about his own capacity, revealed a deeper inability to divest himself of his possessions, which he deeply cherished. Jesus' reply, therefore, is not a general observation but a direct answer to the young man's impasse, highlighting that the obstacle to his eternal life was his own attachment to worldly wealth, a barrier he could not overcome through his own strength or merit, but one that God, in His sovereignty and grace, could indeed surmount, offering salvation even to those who, like the rich, found it exceedingly difficult to enter the Kingdom of God.

Context and Background

The immediate context is Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler. This man approached Jesus with a sincere desire to gain eternal life, demonstrating a commendable commitment to obeying God's commandments. However, when Jesus tested him by asking him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, the man's deep attachment to his wealth became evident, causing him to walk away sorrowful. This incident is a powerful illustration of how material possessions can become an idol, hindering one's ability to fully commit to God and His kingdom. Jesus then turns to his disciples, who are amazed at the difficulty the rich face in entering the kingdom, leading to His pronouncement in verse 27.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is the sovereignty and omnipotence of God. Jesus is emphasizing that human efforts, no matter how diligent, are insufficient for achieving salvation or overcoming insurmountable obstacles. The "impossible with man" refers to the human inability to achieve salvation through works, to relinquish worldly attachments that bind the soul, or to accomplish that which seems beyond human capacity. The "possible with God" points to His grace, His power to transform hearts, to enable faith, and to bring about salvation through means that transcend human understanding and effort. It underscores that salvation is a divine work, not a human achievement.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of salvation and the role of divine grace. It challenges any notion of self-righteousness or earning one's way into God's favor. For individuals struggling with seemingly insurmountable problems, whether personal sins, difficult circumstances, or deep-seated fears, this verse offers immense hope. It encourages a posture of dependence on God, acknowledging our limitations and trusting in His power to work in and through us, and to bring about His purposes even when humanly impossible. It calls believers to surrender their perceived strengths and weaknesses to God, recognizing that His power is made perfect in our frailty.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Luke 18:27 resonates with numerous biblical narratives that highlight God's intervention in situations deemed hopeless by human standards. Examples include:

• The parting of the Red Sea: An impossible feat for the Israelites fleeing Egypt.
• Gideon's army: A small, improbable force used to defeat a much larger enemy.
• The birth of Isaac: A miracle given Abraham and Sarah's advanced age.
• Jesus' resurrection: The ultimate demonstration of God's power over death, the most profound human impossibility.

These instances, like the rich young ruler's situation, consistently illustrate that God's power operates where human power ceases.

Analogies

Consider a stuck elevator that no amount of pushing buttons or physical force can move. However, a skilled technician (representing God) can diagnose the problem and, with the right tools and knowledge, restore it to functionality. Another analogy is a paralyzed person who cannot walk on their own. Jesus' power, as seen in His healing miracles, could enable that person to walk, an impossibility for them. Similarly, the spiritual paralysis caused by sin and attachment to worldly things is an impossibility for man to overcome on his own, but with God, transformation is possible.

Relation to Other Verses

This statement is echoed in various parts of Scripture:

• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse, while often applied broadly, speaks to the empowered life available to believers through Christ's enabling strength, which is a manifestation of God's power working in us.
• 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." This Old Testament declaration of God's omnipotence directly underpins Jesus' assertion.
• 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." This passage clearly articulates that salvation is a divine gift, not a human accomplishment, aligning perfectly with the message of Luke 18:27.
• Mark 10:27 (parallel account): "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'" The parallel account in Mark further reinforces the clarity and importance of this statement.