What is the meaning of Luke 18:27? But Jesus said “Jesus looked at them and said” (Luke 18:27a). • His words come after the disciples gasp, “Who then can be saved?” (v. 26). • By inserting “But,” Scripture contrasts human despair with divine assurance, echoing other turning-points where Christ’s voice reorients fear—“Take courage! It is I” (Matthew 14:27). • As in Mark 1:22, Jesus speaks with authority, not speculation; His verdict settles the matter. • Parallel accounts confirm the same authoritative reply (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27). What is impossible with man “…‘What is impossible with man…’” (Luke 18:27b). • Jesus names the problem plainly: humanity cannot achieve salvation. • Psalm 49:7-8 reminds us, “No man can by any means redeem his brother… the ransom for a life is costly”. • Romans 3:10-12 asserts, “There is no one righteous… no one who seeks God”. • Ephesians 2:1 describes us as “dead in your trespasses and sins”—dead people can’t revive themselves. • Even moral effort, religion, or wealth fall short; the rich ruler’s obedience and resources still left him lacking (Luke 18:18-23). • Human impossibility prepares the heart to look beyond itself, as John 6:44 affirms: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him”. Is possible with God “…is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27c). • God specializes in the impossible: – Genesis 18:14, spoken to barren Sarah, “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?”. – Jeremiah 32:17, “Nothing is too difficult for You”. – Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God”. • Salvation exemplifies that power: – Titus 3:5, “He saved us… by the washing of regeneration”. – Ephesians 2:8-9, “By grace you have been saved through faith… not by works”. – Hebrews 7:25, “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him”. • God can transform any heart—Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-22). • His enabling extends beyond salvation to every challenge believers face (Philippians 4:13). summary Luke 18:27 pivots the discussion from human limitation to divine capability. Jesus first asserts His authority, then exposes our inability, and finally elevates God’s limitless power. The verse assures us that while we can never earn or engineer salvation—or any spiritual victory—God can, and He does. Trust shifts from self-effort to the God for whom nothing is impossible. |
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