But Jesus said,This phrase introduces the speaker, Jesus Christ, who is central to the New Testament narrative. His teachings often challenge human understanding and reveal divine truths. In the context of
Luke 18, Jesus is responding to a question about salvation, emphasizing His authority and insight into spiritual matters.
“What is impossible with man
This part of the verse highlights human limitations. In the context of the rich young ruler's question about inheriting eternal life, it underscores the inability of human effort or wealth to secure salvation. This reflects the broader biblical theme of human insufficiency, as seen in passages like Romans 3:23, which states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
is possible with God.”
Here, the focus shifts to God's omnipotence. This statement affirms that what humans cannot achieve through their own means, God can accomplish. It aligns with the biblical narrative of God's power to do the miraculous, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and the resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28). This phrase also connects to the theme of faith, as seen in Hebrews 11:6, which emphasizes that faith in God's power is essential for pleasing Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the nature of God's power and the limitations of human ability.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are learning about the kingdom of God and the challenges of entering it.
3.
Rich Young RulerAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the context involves Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler, who struggles with the idea of giving up his wealth to follow Jesus.
4.
JerusalemThe broader context of
Luke 18 includes Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, where He will ultimately fulfill His mission through His death and resurrection.
5.
Kingdom of GodThe overarching theme of Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the divine power necessary to enter and participate in God's kingdom.
Teaching Points
Divine Possibility vs. Human LimitationRecognize that human efforts have limits, but God's power transcends those limits. Trust in God's ability to accomplish what seems impossible.
Faith in God's PowerCultivate a faith that relies on God's strength rather than personal ability. This faith is essential for overcoming life's challenges and fulfilling God's purposes.
Surrender and ObedienceLike the rich young ruler, we are called to surrender our attachments and obey God's call, trusting that He will provide and make a way.
Hope in Difficult CircumstancesIn times of trial, remember that God specializes in turning impossible situations into testimonies of His glory and power.
Prayer and DependenceDevelop a prayer life that reflects dependence on God, asking Him to do what we cannot do on our own.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 18:27?
2. How does Luke 18:27 encourage reliance on God's power over human ability?
3. What does "what is impossible with man" reveal about God's nature?
4. How can Luke 18:27 strengthen your faith during challenging situations?
5. Connect Luke 18:27 with another Bible verse emphasizing God's omnipotence.
6. How can you apply the truth of Luke 18:27 in daily decision-making?
7. How does Luke 18:27 challenge our understanding of God's power and human limitations?
8. What does "What is impossible with man is possible with God" imply about faith?
9. How does Luke 18:27 relate to the concept of miracles in the Bible?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 18?
11. What does 'All things are possible with God' mean?
12. What does 'Nothing Will Be Impossible with God' mean?
13. What is George Müller's biography, quotes, and legacy?
14. How does Luke 18:18–30 align with other Bible passages that teach salvation through faith rather than works or possessions? What Does Luke 18:27 Mean
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).
summaryLuke 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.
(27)
The things which are impossible with men.--The answer is substantially the same as we find in the other Gospels, but it assumes in St. Luke something more of the form of a generalised axiom.
Verse 27. -
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Yes, impossible, the Divine Teacher repeated, from a man's point of view; impossible from the platform of legal obedience on which the young ruler (ver. 21) had taken his stand, or the Pharisee in his prayer (vers. 11, 12); but it was not impossible with God. He might give this salvation as a perfectly free gift, utterly undeserved, perfectly unmerited, as he did to the
prodigal son when he returned, or to the
publican when he beat his breast in almost voiceless mourning, or still more conspicuously, not many days later, to the
penitent thief dying on the cross.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ (de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.[Jesus] said,εἶπεν (eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“What [is]Τὰ (Ta)Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.impossibleἀδύνατα (adynata)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 102: Of persons: incapable; of things: impossible; either the inability, or that which is impossible. Passively, impossible.withπαρὰ (para)Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. manἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.isἐστιν (estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.possibleδυνατὰ (dynata)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.withπαρὰ (para)Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. God.”Θεῷ (Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Gospels: Luke 18:27 But he said The things which (Luke Lu Lk)