How should Mark 10:26 influence our evangelism efforts and message? A Brief Look at the Verse “They were even more astonished and said to one another, ‘Who then can be saved?’” (Mark 10:26) The disciples see how impossible salvation is by human effort. Their question becomes the doorway to Jesus’ declaration in verse 27: “With man this is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” What the Question Reveals • Universal bewilderment: everyone—religious insiders included—realizes they cannot meet God’s standard on their own. • Self-reliance exposed: even the best moral résumé (the rich young ruler) fails. • A divine opening: the human “Who then…?” prepares hearts for God’s “I can.” Core Truths to Carry into Evangelism 1. Salvation is humanly impossible (Mark 10:26) but divinely possible (Mark 10:27). 2. Every hearer is in the same needy position—no special cases, no exceptions (Romans 3:10-12, 23). 3. The gospel centers on God’s initiative and power, not on human performance (Ephesians 2:8-9). 4. Our role is proclamation; God’s role is regeneration (Titus 3:5). Shaping the Content of Our Message • Highlight the standard, not to crush but to clarify need (Galatians 3:24). • Emphasize grace: “God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) • Redirect confidence: away from “What must I do?” to “What has Christ done?” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Offer certainty, not self-help: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Influencing Our Posture as Evangelists • Humility – We were asked the same desperate question once. – Pride drains credibility; humility invites listening. • Prayerful Dependence – Since only God can save, every conversation should be bathed in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-4). • Confidence in the Gospel – The power is in the message, not the messenger (Romans 1:16). • Patience – If salvation is a divine miracle, waiting and walking with people is part of the process (2 Peter 3:9). Practical Steps 1. Open with the story behind Mark 10:26 to show that even earnest seekers fall short. 2. Ask listeners where they place their hope of “being saved.” 3. Present Christ’s all-sufficient work and the call to repent and believe (Mark 1:15). 4. Invite response, trusting God to do what only He can do. A Word of Encouragement When the disciples blurted out, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus did not rebuke the question; He answered it. Let that assurance free us to speak boldly, trusting that the God who makes the impossible possible is still doing so every time the gospel is proclaimed. |
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