The Limits of Possibility // Rev. Matt Kennedy // Mar 8 2026

In one of the most provocative and difficult passages in the gospels, we meet a man who is both very wealthy and very righteous. He is generous, just, self-controlled, friendly, and honest. Yet when he asks if all this is enough to "inherit eternal life", Jesus tells him to sell every last thing he owns, give it to the poor, and follow him. The man's face falls, and he walks away disappointed at Jesus' answer (Luke 18:18-23).The story of the "Rich Young Ruler" forces us to consider that even if we use our money with great integrity and righteousness, wealth can become an idol and a barrier to salvation. It's a fascinating example that even when used by good people for good ends, unless one is willing to put love of God above all other loves; we will find ourselves at a distance from the Kingdom of God. Does this sound impossibly hard? It is! (18:27), Yet the Good News is that God's grace does the impossible and Christ's spiritual riches are more than enough for our spiritual poverty. Thanks be to God!