11/29/2025
In Matthew 19:26, Jesus looked at His disciples after they asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Their confusion—how we will never measure up to save ourselves in our lack—was not met with judgment or frustration. Jesus replies with a soul-resting promise:
“But Jesus looked at them and said, with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
I love that this verse specifically uses the word looked. Matthew could have just written, Jesus said, or Jesus responded, but he made sure to include the Greek word emblepō, which means to look in a sustained, concentrated way—with special interest, love, or concern.
BibleHub deep dive on this word adds to the wow factor:
“It regularly marks a moment of spiritual weight, a command to perceive God’s provision, a compassionate glance of Christ that pierces the heart…”
The One who has every right to measure us up against His perfection, roll His eyes, and wonder why we continuously fall short—doesn’t.
With true, everlasting love, He looks into our eyes to reach our hearts, time and time again.
He never tires of our questions or our deficiencies. He knows our limitations are like little magnets, drawing our hearts closer to Him. When we acknowledge them, they highlight our need for Him and help us to realize He is worthy of our trust.
The word impossible emboldens our human limitations. We literally cannot do it without Jesus. There is so much freedom in that truth! Breathe it all in!
Trusting Him with the impossible gives us space to rest and be at peace with not being enough.
We don’t have to try to do it all, be it all, or run around like a chicken with our head cut off in order to please God or others around us.
When we go to Jesus with our questions and release our imperfections, He gives us a look filled with compassion, tender toward our weaknesses.
When we say, “I can’t do this anymore. I don’t know how,” Jesus lovingly looks at us and says, “I can and I will.”
Jesus offers you a look that tells your soul to rest and to give it all to Him.
His look is wrapped in peace and grace. He wants you to feel seen.
He helps you to see that your limitations are actually a beautiful gift, an invitation to rely on Him and watch Him work wonders and hallelujahs all around you.
