Matthew 19:23-26

What, Whom or whom are we trusting in for our salvation? What, whom or whom are we turning to for rescue to save our scrawny necks? Is it money, works, power, prestige or people? Is it anything created rather than the Creator? If so, big mistake baby-cakes! Jesus tells us:

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7 (NIV)

Peter also clearly states in Acts:

12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Paul also writes in 1Timothy:

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. 1 Tim 2:5-7 (NIV)

“Is it not wonderful news to believe that salvation lies outside ourselves?” Martin Luther

Jesus is the Way because He is the Truth and the Life. Contrary to what many people may think, clearly Scripture states only one way to the Father exists. Jesus stressed salvation was not obtainable through a myriad of ways – it was and is through faith alone in Christ alone and His saving work on the cross on our behalf.

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Eph 1:7-8 (NIV)

The way to heaven for all is a narrow way and through a small gate. People possessing large quantities of money, power, talents, knowledge, acceptance or whatever, have a greater tendency to place their trust in these things. It is hard not to be charmed and mesmerized by a smiling and lauding world. It takes a greater measure of divine grace for people to break through these worldly luxuries albeit heavenly difficulties. Indeed, it is nothing less than the almighty grace of God enabling the sojourner to do so. Our Lord rightly compares those with such possessions to a camel – a beast of burden – carrying a heavy load. Isn’t it true that oftentimes our possessions and talents end up owning us rather than us owning them?

Jesus’ Words were shocking to His guys. Christ spoke many surprising Truths which often left people wide eyed and mouth opened with astonishment. His guys always seemed to be shocked or confused over His teachings which should give us all hope! They had been taught by the Pharisees that God bestows wealth on those He loves and now they are questioning who then can be saved. It is not too dissimilar in our day and age. We are forever looking at those with many worldly luxuries as having been blessed by God. This is not all together wrong but it certainly is not always on target either. The opposite is true as well - just because someone is without the world’s prosperity or popularity does not make them in God’s favor or out of God’s favor. What does matter in either case is that person’s relationship with Jesus Christ which is the only thing affecting their standing before a Holy God. Though Jesus states it is hard for the rich man to enter the kingdom of God, it is not impossible. All things are possible with God. It is not to be despaired of –since it is possible. Hallelujah for that! Nothing is too hard for God.

“There are such difficulties in the way of our salvation as could never be overcome but by that grace of God which is almighty. ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’ His grace can work on the soul, so as to alter the bent and bias of it, and give it a contrary leaning.” Matthew Henry