Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 19:26

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Mark saith, They were astonished out of Measure saying among themselves, &c. All three Evangelists agree in the same substance of the other Words. But why are the Disciples amazed? Or, why do they say, who then can be saved? Are there not in all places more Poor than Rich Persons: The Disciples might reasonably conclude, that Poor Persons were by their Poverty also exposed to many great and dangerous Temptations, that even they, tho they had not Riches, yet might too much place Felicity in them, and Covet what they had not; and from hence Collect a Difficulty for any to get to Heaven. Our Saviour saith unto them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. If men indeed were left all to themselves, none would be saved, the Black-a-Moor cannot change his skin, nor the Leopard his Spots. But God can bring men to Heaven, by the mighty Power of his Grace, he can change a Rich mans Heart, and take it off from too much Love of Riches, and make him to despise and contemn his Wealth, and to put his Trust in the living God: Or, a Poor mans Heart, and make him also Poor in Spirit, and Rich in Grace.

Marginal references: Jer. 32.17. Zech. 8.6. Luk. 1.37. & 18.27.