1. Mark 10:27 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How is the rich young man a warning to the disciples?

Mark 10:27 (ESV)

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

Just as Jesus once looked at the rich young man, he now looks penetratingly at his disciples. It is good that they have seen for themselves a road that comes to a dead end. That will also teach them as disciples to expect their entry into the kingdom from God alone. With man it is impossible that anyone would be saved (Mark 10:26), but not with God: all things are possible with him! Disciples who look at the retreating young man see themselves as in a mirror, but they must now look up to God. He can bring the rich and the less rich to the acceptance of the impoverished Jesus and to a relinquishing of their trust in all worldly possessions. The future of the New Testament church will prove this. And some of it can already be seen in the life of the disciples.1