What does Matthew 19:26 teach about God's power?

Matthew 19:26 is a profound verse that captures the essence of God's omnipotence and the limitations of human capability. The verse states: "But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" This statement by Jesus comes in a context that underscores the disparity between human effort and divine intervention, and it offers rich theological insights into the nature of God's power.

To fully appreciate what Matthew 19:26 teaches about God's power, it is crucial to understand the context in which Jesus made this statement. The verse is part of a larger narrative involving a rich young man who approached Jesus, asking what he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus instructed him to keep the commandments, and the young man claimed he had done so. Jesus then challenged him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man went away sorrowful because he had great wealth. Jesus then remarked to His disciples that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a camel going through the eye of a needle. The disciples, astonished, asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus' response is encapsulated in Matthew 19:26, highlighting the omnipotent nature of God.

First and foremost, Matthew 19:26 teaches that human limitations are stark when contrasted with divine possibilities. The rich young man's story illustrates that human efforts, no matter how earnest or well-intentioned, fall short of achieving eternal life. Wealth, status, and moral rectitude cannot secure salvation. Jesus' declaration that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven serves as a hyperbolic illustration of this impossibility. In this context, "With man this is impossible" underscores the futility of relying solely on human abilities and resources.

However, the second part of the verse, "but with God all things are possible," shifts the focus from human inadequacy to divine omnipotence. This statement is not merely an abstract theological proposition but a foundational truth about the nature of God. God's power is limitless and transcends human understanding and capabilities. This is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In Genesis 18:14, God asks Abraham, "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" when Sarah laughed at the promise of bearing a child in her old age. Similarly, in Jeremiah 32:17, the prophet exclaims, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."

Theologically, Matthew 19:26 affirms the doctrine of divine omnipotence, which is the belief that God is all-powerful and capable of doing anything that is consistent with His nature and will. This doctrine is central to Christian faith because it assures believers that God's power is sufficient to accomplish His purposes, including the salvation of humanity. The impossibility of self-salvation highlights the necessity of divine grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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." Salvation is a divine gift that human effort cannot achieve but is made possible through God's power and grace.

Moreover, Matthew 19:26 speaks to the transformative power of God in the lives of believers. When Jesus says, "with God all things are possible," it implies that God's power is not only theoretical but also practical and experiential. This power is at work in the lives of those who believe, enabling them to overcome obstacles, endure trials, and experience spiritual growth. Philippians 4:13 echoes this sentiment: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." The apostle Paul attributes his ability to endure all circumstances to the empowering presence of Christ.

In addition to personal transformation, God's power as described in Matthew 19:26 extends to the broader mission of the Church. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 begins with Jesus asserting His authority: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." This mission, humanly speaking, seems daunting and impossible. However, it is the same divine power that makes all things possible that empowers believers to fulfill this mission. The book of Acts is replete with instances where the early Church, despite facing severe persecution and seemingly insurmountable challenges, witnessed miraculous growth and spread the gospel far and wide, all through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, Matthew 19:26 offers comfort and hope to believers. Life often presents situations that seem impossible to overcome—whether they are personal struggles, relational conflicts, health issues, or societal injustices. This verse reassures us that God's power is not limited by our circumstances. In Romans 8:28, Paul writes, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even in the face of adversity, believers can trust that God's omnipotent hand is at work, orchestrating events according to His perfect will.

The verse also challenges believers to live lives of faith and dependence on God. Recognizing that "with God all things are possible" encourages a posture of humility and trust. It calls us to relinquish self-reliance and place our confidence in God's power. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "faith chapter," recounts the stories of men and women who accomplished extraordinary feats not by their own strength but by faith in God's promises and power. From Abraham and Sarah to Moses and Rahab, their lives exemplify what is possible when one trusts in God's omnipotence.

In conclusion, Matthew 19:26 is a powerful reminder of God's unlimited power and the limitations of human effort. It teaches that while certain things are impossible for humans, nothing is impossible for God. This truth is foundational to the Christian faith, emphasizing the necessity of divine grace for salvation, the transformative power of God in believers' lives, and the hope and comfort that come from trusting in God's omnipotence. It challenges believers to live by faith, relying not on their own abilities but on the limitless power of God.