Jesus Says Only God Can Save People
Welcome to Day 277 of our journey with Jesus. Today, we listen to the words Jesus said. The main truth for today is this: Jesus says that saving people is impossible through human effort but possible with God. Let’s begin.
Current details of the journeyView the calendar, Episode and passage
Jesus in Action
Mark 10:17–31
Step 2 of 5
Read the exact words Jesus said.
Yesu alipokuwa anaondoka, mtu mmoja akamkimbilia, akapiga magoti mbele yake, akamuuliza, “Mwalimu mwema, nifanye nini ili niurithi uzima wa milele?” Yesu akamwambia, “Mbona unaniita mwema? Hakuna yeyote aliye mwema ila Mungu peke yake. Unazijua amri: ‘Usiue, usizini, usiibe, usishuhudie uongo, usidanganye, waheshimu baba yako na mama yako.’ ” Akamjibu, “Mwalimu, amri hizi zote nimezishika tangu nikiwa mtoto.” Yesu akamtazama na kumpenda, akamwambia, “Umepungukiwa na kitu kimoja. Nenda ukauze kila kitu ulicho nacho uwape maskini hizo fedha, nawe utakuwa na hazina mbinguni. Kisha njoo, unifuate.” Yule mtu aliposikia hayo, akasikitika sana. Akaondoka kwa huzuni kwa sababu alikuwa na mali nyingi. Yesu akatazama pande zote, akawaambia wanafunzi wake, “Itakuwa vigumu sana kwa wenye mali kuingia katika Ufalme wa Mungu!” Wanafunzi wake wakashangazwa sana na maneno hayo. Lakini Yesu akawaambia tena, “Wanangu, tazama jinsi ilivyo vigumu kwa wale wanaotumainia mali kuingia katika Ufalme wa Mungu. Ni rahisi zaidi kwa ngamia kupita kwenye tundu la sindano kuliko mtu tajiri kuingia katika Ufalme wa Mungu.” Wanafunzi wake wakashangaa sana. Wakaulizana wao kwa wao, “Ni nani basi awezaye kuokoka?” Yesu akawatazama, akawaambia, “Kwa mwanadamu jambo hili haliwezekani, lakini kwa Mungu sivyo. Mambo yote yanawezekana kwa Mungu.” Ndipo Petro akamjibu, “Tazama, tumeacha kila kitu na kukufuata wewe!” Yesu akasema, “Amin, nawaambia, hakuna mtu yeyote aliyeacha nyumba, ndugu wa kiume au wa kike, au mama au baba, au watoto au mashamba kwa ajili yangu na kwa ajili ya Injili, ambaye hatalipwa mara mia katika ulimwengu huu: nyumba, ndugu wa kiume na wa kike, mama na baba na watoto, mashamba pamoja na mateso, kisha uzima wa milele katika ulimwengu ujao. Lakini wengi walio wa kwanza watakuwa wa mwisho, na wa mwisho watakuwa wa kwanza.”
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Jesus’ words to the rich man are often reduced either to a universal command to liquidate every possession or to a lesson about being more generous. The conversation is sharper than either simplification.
Watch: Can You Follow Jesus Above All Your Treasures?
Watch the companion video, then continue reading to examine the biblical testimony in its full context.
One Thing You Lack.
The man presents a record of obedience. Jesus identifies the place where his allegiance is exposed: his wealth. The command is personal, concrete, and immediately costly.
Come, Follow Me.
Jesus does not merely tell him what to give up. He calls the man to Himself. The center of the demand is not poverty as an achievement but following Jesus above the rival security that controls him.
How Difficult It Is.
Jesus then warns about riches because wealth can create an illusion of independence. The disciples are astonished, showing that they do not hear this as a minor warning.
With Man It Is Impossible.
Jesus finally locates salvation beyond human ability. The text does not teach that a person earns eternal life by becoming poor. It teaches that no human resource—including morality or wealth—can accomplish what only God can do.
Consider this.
Which words of Jesus must govern your reading?
Listen closely
Listen to Jesus’ diagnosis before turning this encounter into a formula.