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Explanation for:
Matthew
19
:
26
And Jesus beholding, said to them: With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Christ did not state, “What is impossible with man is possible with God,” to diminish your spirit or to suggest that the mission of salvation is unattainable. Rather, He expressed this so that you may recognize the gravity of the matter and eagerly engage in the work of salvation, and with divine assistance, embark on this remarkable journey toward eternal life. So, how is it that the impossible can become possible? By relinquishing your earthly possessions, sharing with those in need, and turning away from sinful desires. It is clear that Christ does not solely attribute salvation to God, but rather indicates the challenges involved in this endeavor. When Peter proclaimed to Christ, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You,” and then inquired, “What will we receive?” Christ responded by promising, “And everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, shall receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life.” Thus, what seems impossible is rendered possible. Yet, how can this be accomplished? How can someone driven by an insatiable greed for wealth change? If a person begins to share their resources and divides their excess, they will gradually distance themselves from that overwhelming desire, and thus, the journey will become more manageable. Therefore, if achieving everything at once seems daunting, refrain from trying to gain it all immediately. Instead, incrementally ascend the ladder that leads to heaven. Just as those afflicted by fever find that consuming food can exacerbate their condition, so too do the greedy fuel their yearning by seeking greater wealth. The desire for riches can be diminished most effectively through a gradual decline in the yearning for material gain, similar to how a small amount of food can mitigate the effects of bile. You may wonder how this can occur. The answer lies in the realization that continuously accumulating wealth will only intensify your longing for more. Conversely, letting go of your attachment to material possessions can help quell that desire. Do not become overly anxious about numerous concerns, or you’ll find yourself pursuing what is unattainable, thereby inviting sorrow greater than that of others. Consider who suffers more: the one who yearns for extravagant food and drink but cannot fulfill that desire, or the one free from such longing? Clearly, it is the one who yearns yet cannot attain. Their state of unfulfilled longing and thirst is so tormenting that Christ, wanting to illustrate hell, portrayed the rich man in agony, yearning for a drop of water yet receiving none. Thus, one who scorns wealth subdues that desire, while one who yearns for riches fuels it further and finds it impossible to contain. Even when accumulating numerous riches, they continue to desire more, and even when achieving their goals, their craving only doubles. This endless pursuit leads them into a profound madness, seeking to turn all into gold. Therefore, it becomes evident that true freedom from evil is found not in accumulating wealth but in eradicating the passion for it. \\n\\nIf you have ever harbored a foolish desire to fly, how would you extinguish it? By fashioning wings and the necessary apparatus, or by acknowledging that such a desire is unfulfillable and unworthy of pursuit? Clearly, the latter approach is wise. While you may argue that flight is impossible, it is even more challenging to satisfy the craving for wealth. It is easier for individuals to take to the skies than to restrain their avarice through accumulation. If you pursue that which is within reach, you may find comfort in the notion of one day attaining it; if you chase the unattainable, your focus must shift toward eliminating that desire altogether, or you will not find peace for your soul. Thus, to avoid unnecessary worries, let us cast aside the burdensome love of wealth that continually disturbs us and aspire instead for a far more attainable and blessed pursuit: heavenly treasures. The effort required for this is minimal, yet the rewards are boundless. Those who remain vigilant, sober, and disdainful of earthly treasures will never lack the blessings of heaven. In contrast, those enslaved to earthly desires will find themselves deprived of such grace."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"When the disciples inquire and express their astonishment at the harshness of the verdict, questioning, \\"Who can be saved in this manner?\\" He compassionately alleviates the harshness of His judgment by stating, \\"What is impossible with men is possible with God.\\""},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Lord instructs us to assess the act of salvation not through human frailty but through the might of God. When an individual steers clear of selfishness, divine assistance will first aid them in removing excess, eventually guiding them to share with the poor and those in need. Thus, with God's guidance, they will be directed steadfastly toward the Kingdom of Heaven."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Initially, he alleviated their troubled minds with a kind gaze, and then he declared that salvation is unattainable for those who are wealthy. Ensnared by the chains of greed, they cannot liberate themselves from its grasp through their own efforts; however, God not only has the power to save them, but also to accomplish all things. Thus, He will bring about their salvation if they earnestly seek to share their riches with the needy, overcome their desire for wealth, and invoke Him as their supporter and protector of true freedom. This entire discourse underscores that a greedy individual cannot attain salvation unless they have God's assistance in liberating them from this perilous vice, coupled with their own earnest efforts, as stated. Some may argue that if everything is possible for God, then it must also be possible for Him to engage in wrongdoing. In response, we assert that evil is not a demonstration of strength, but a manifestation of weakness. For this reason, David referred to sins as weaknesses, declaring: their weaknesses are multiplied (Ps. 15:4), and the Apostle Paul speaks of the weak, meaning sinners (Rom. 5:6). As Gregory the Theologian eloquently expressed, the root of evil lies in the disregard for good; how then could He, who embodies Goodness, neglect to do what is good?"},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"The Christ's divine gaze, directed towards His disciples, accompanied by His life-affirming words, dispelled their confusion and astonishment. The Lord teaches that what is beyond human capability is achievable through the power of God. Just as a poor man cannot rely solely on his own might for salvation, neither can a wealthy individual; salvation comes through the guidance and assistance of His sovereign hand."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"Human effort is largely inadequate on its own. It is essential for individuals to confront their own nature, that is, their inherent sinfulness. We may easily and willingly follow our inclinations toward evil, yet we are incapable of resisting and overcoming it by our own strength. Just as a ship can navigate downstream effortlessly, it cannot sail upstream against the current and wind without a skilled helmsman. Similarly, our fallen nature can sin with ease, but we cannot combat and overcome sin on our own. Therefore, it is crucial to seek assistance and strength from the Conqueror of death and hell, Jesus Christ, who 'will give strength to His people' (Psalm 28:11). Consequently, we must turn to God for aid in our endeavors, as He invites us to ask and assures us of His provision: 'Ask, and it will be given to you' (Matthew 7:7)."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"And JESUS gazed upon them, calming their troubled spirits with His serene and compassionate demeanor. He highlighted God’s omnipotence, stating, ‘What is impossible for mankind can be accomplished by God. Humanity cannot conquer its desires through mere willpower, but God can bestow upon him His abundant mercy, which will redirect his heart from the entrapments of worldly pleasures and material wealth. For one who is ensnared by riches, serving them as a servant, salvation seems unattainable; yet, he who masters his wealth and dedicates it to God's glory, serving as a steward of the Almighty, will find salvation, though not without struggle, given human frailty and the multitude of temptations. St. John Chrysostom notes, ‘Jesus Christ designates this lifestyle as the work of God, indicating that it necessitates abundant grace for anyone aspiring to live accordingly. How then can the impossible be rendered possible? If one relinquishes worldly possessions, shares them with the needy, and forsakes sinful desires; for Christ’s teachings affirm that while salvation is ultimately initiated by God, it concurrently acknowledges the profound challenge it poses for us.’ ‘Between the wealthy and the impoverished,’ remarks Nicephorus, Archbishop of Astrakhan, ‘the rich and the poor discover common ground: both are creations of the Lord (Proverbs 22:2). The wealthy are granted abundance so that through kindness and compassion they may evade condemnation, while the poor, through perseverance, valor, and resilience, may claim the eternal kingdom. Abraham was exceedingly wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2); his virtues are well-known. He was so loving that he won the favor of angels, so righteous that he refrained from taking anything from the king of Sodom, so obedient to God that he was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son; and so faithful that his belief was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). It is widely recognized that the place of eternal bliss among the saints is referred to as the bosom of Abraham.’ As each disciple of the Savior reflected on His words, they instinctively applied them to their own lives, feeling as though they had given everything for the Lord while simultaneously recognizing that the level of purity and impartiality He demanded was still lacking in them. What outcome could they anticipate? Would they meet the same fate as the young man?"},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Having looked up,\\" as noted in Eu. Mark (Mark 10:27), highlights a distinctive aspect of the Lord's response; He lifted His gaze. With a gentle and reassuring sight, He alleviated their fears and dispelled their confusion. The Evangelist underscores this with the phrase \\"having looked up.\\" \\n\\n\\"It is impossible for men\\" refers to the salvation of the rich man; it emphasizes that no one can achieve this through their own efforts alone. Humanity lacks the power to attain salvation by its means, yet God, being all-powerful, makes all things possible (Luke 1:37). His gracious and redemptive mercy can accomplish what individuals cannot achieve through their own strength. \\n\\nBut how can what seems impossible become possible? It requires one to relinquish material possessions, share with the needy, and turn away from sinful desires. The teachings of Jesus Christ do not solely assign the work of salvation to God; they also highlight the inherent challenges we face, as further illustrated in the subsequent passage."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus taught that the only individuals who are excluded from the kingdom of heaven, or who cannot belong to the kingdom of God, are those wealthy individuals who are deeply attached to their riches with the full strength of their souls. Because of their greed, they fail to recognize the truth of God; thus, these individuals can only attain salvation through Divine intervention. At times, a trial from God, a family crisis, or another form of suffering may lead these presumptuous wealthy individuals to contemplate the limitations of their riches and the emptiness of their existence. If, in their despair over their inability to be saved through their wealth, they turn away from their idol and seek God's help, then salvation becomes a possibility for them.\\n\\nWhen the apostles grasped the significance of what the Lord said about greed and the difficulty for those who place their trust in wealth rather than in God to be saved, they inquired, \\"Who then can be saved?\\" To which the Lord replied, \\"It is impossible for men, but with God all things are possible.\\" This dialogue illustrates a crucial aspect of salvation. The Lord asks that individuals recognize their insignificance in the light of the perfection offered to them, that they grieve their sins and condemn themselves for them; in doing so, they should resolve to sin no longer. In the confrontation with temptations, they are called to harness all the strength they possess; essentially, the Lord requires that, with God’s help, we strive to attain the kingdom of heaven, making ourselves worthy of it. However, entering this kingdom is indeed impossible for man alone; they must be ushered into it.\\n\\nYet, how can a person who has repented and led a righteous life be admitted into this Kingdom? Despite receiving forgiveness, they remain a sinner, for who among humanity is without sin? A merciful God can forgive the sinner, which means they face no punishment for their transgressions. Yet, forgiveness does not equate to justification; the sins of the forgiven individual remain. How then can such a sinner gain access to the kingdom of heaven, which is prepared for the righteous? They cannot erase their past sins, nor can they enter the heavenly kingdom burdened by them. It is true that for men this is impossible, but for God, all things are feasible.\\n\\nIn the parable of the wedding banquet, Christ illustrates that a forgiven sinner must metaphorically don the robe of righteousness that is offered by the King to be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. Only the King Himself possess the authority to remove the garment of sin—the former sins that weigh upon the forgiven sinner—and to replace it with the garment of righteousness, rendering those sins as if they had never happened. This transformation occurs through Christ, the King of Heaven, who, through His sacrificial death on the cross, bore all the sins of those forgiven. In this, He accomplishes what is beyond human capability, yet perfectly within the realm of divine power."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The instructor of divine wisdom, with a gentle and serene look, soothed their troubled thoughts and clarified their uncertainties, guiding them to assess salvation not through human frailty, but through the omnipotence of God. He remarked, “With man, this is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible,” underscoring that what seems unfeasible for humanity can be accomplished by Him."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the young man left, Jesus, casting a glance around to highlight His message, proclaimed, “How hard it is for those who possess wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were taken aback by His declaration. However, Jesus reiterated His statement, albeit with a modification that illuminated the challenge faced by the wealthy in gaining entry into God’s kingdom: “How hard it is for those who place their trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” He supplemented His teaching with a saying, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” The disciples remained astonished by the Lord’s teaching and posed the question, “Then who can be saved?” Each person carries their own weaknesses and vices, with various worldly enslavements proving to be even more daunting than the entanglement with wealth. If it is indeed so arduous for a wealthy individual to be saved, then who can attain salvation? To this, Christ replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” It is challenging for a person who clings to wealth or any earthly desire to find salvation, as it is tough to break free from the chains of sin; such liberation is only achievable through the grace of God."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After the young man left, the Lord spoke to His disciples about the difficulty a wealthy person faces in entering the kingdom of heaven. By \\"wealth,\\" He referred not just to money and possessions but to anything that individuals value, aside from God. The disciples, interpreting His words literally, wondered aloud, \\"Who then can be saved, if earthly attachments exclude one from the kingdom of God?\\" The Lord responded that what is impossible for humans is possible with God. Though humans cannot alone free themselves from all attachments, they can do so through divine grace. Each disciple reflected on their own situation; they felt they had already given much up for the Lord—departing from family, home, and belongings. Yet, simultaneously, they sensed they had not yet achieved the purity and detachment that the Lord expects. They were left to ponder their own fate. Would their experience mirror that of the young man?"}]}
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