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"Jesus Makes Possible the
Impossible" I once read, "There are two thing in this life that are
impossible. To make a crab walk straight and to get blood from a turnip." Life is a little like playing golf, where impossible shots are
always before us. In 1867 James Eads thought it possible to build a bridge across
the Eads, James Buchanan 1820-1887. American
engineer and inventor, b. Lawrenceburg, Ind. Invented diving bell; organized
partnership to use diving bell for salvaging from steamboats sunk in river
(1848-57). Built first bridge (Eads Bridge, 1867-74) across Luke 18:24-27 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said,
"How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25
"For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich
man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 And those who heard it said,
"Who then can be saved?" 27 But He said, "The things which are
impossible with men are possible with God." Jesus shows the disciples that many of
the things that appear to be impossible are really possible. I want us to see
Jesus as the One who makes possible the impossible. IMPOSSIBILITY OF ETERNAL The disciples had just watched a rich man walk away from Jesus
without gaining salvation. Much to their surprise Jesus tells how hard it is
for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of heaven. 1a. The Disciples Question In their shocking surprise the disciples ask, "Who then can
be saved?" They like us often make Jesus' words into something He didn't
say. Jesus didn't say there is no opportunity for rich people to be saved. Is
what Jesus was implying was it is hard for those who are rich to not depend on
their riches to get them what they want. The impossibility comes out in Jesus'
statement. 1b. Impossibility: You can't buy your way into
Heaven! Man is born a skeptic. Until we come to Jesus we really do believe
we can earn salvation. It's true or else we'd all be saved! We are skeptical of
the point of truth that man cannot earn or buy his salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that
not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should
boast. · You can't live good
enough ... there is none that is righteous No not one! · You can't please God
enough ... without faith it impossible to please God. · You can't do anything on
your own to gain salvation ... I never knew you! The impossibility of life is that you and
I are helpless and unable to save ourselves. POSSIBILITY OF ETERNAL The skepticism of the disciples brings out the possible in the
impossible.Jesus brings out the truth of the situation. Salvation is impossible
for man, but possible with God. 2a. Salvation Possible "For by grace" makes the impossible possible. Through
grace God made salvation, the impossible by man, possible through Jesus Christ. The only means of salvation is through Jesus Christ. That is why
Jesus emphatically is able to say, "I am the Way, the Truth and Life, and
no one comes to the Father except through me." Eternal life is held as an impossibility until we see our only
hope of it is made possible through Jesus. Have you gained the impossible
through the possible?
2b. All Things Are Possible Jesus points the disciples to the fact that "all things are
possible with God." God's possibilities are not tied to only to the realm
of salvation. For once we are His, life that appears most impossible at times
(golf) becomes possible. Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to
this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be
impossible for you. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Faith in Christ makes the impossible
possible.
What gigantic foe, great barrier, or
enemy are you facing that appears most impossible for you? If you are God's
child you need to hear the possible words of our God, "With God nothing is
impossible!" (Luke 1:37) If you stand without salvation on your side life will always
present itself as impossible. However if you stand sure in God's salvation,
life begins to present itself as possible even the midst of what you or I may
see as the impossible.
Jesus wants to confront our skepticism by showing us possibility
of God's work. Jesus makes the impossibility possible. Prayer: "Lord we too often trust in ourselves and in our own
resources to work out the impossibilities of life. That is why we are so easily
angered and frustrated with life. Help us today to see that it Jesus who comes
to make the impossible a possibility for us. When we quit resting upon
ourselves and see you and the one to make all things possible, we will see You
at work in our lives. Help us to trust You and believe that all things really
are possible with You. Amen |
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