Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Christ does not ease the disciples' minds but sharpens their sense of danger, for it is right they should feel the weight of the ascent to heaven and so be roused to seek strength from above alone. Teachers who soften the demand to spare the flesh's laziness betray their charge; we must follow Christ's rule: bow men down in themselves first, then teach them to rely on God's grace and to pray.
AI summary
Jesus saw their fear in their faces and addressed it. What is impossible for human nature and strength, for a man to renounce all earthly trust and follow Christ, God's almighty grace accomplishes in the heart. He can change desire itself, strip a rich man's confidence from his wealth, and carry him safe through every snare to His kingdom.
AI summary
No man, rich or poor, can reach heaven by his own strength; salvation belongs to God's power alone. When you feel your own helplessness, do not despair, turn to the power of God and stake your faith on it. He makes the wealthy poor in spirit and the poor rich in grace.
AI summary