Jesus Conquers the Impossible
Impossible: Not able to occur, exist, or be done.
This is the dictionary definition of impossible. Are you facing something impossible right now? Have you faced something impossible in the past? Do you wonder if what you have to offer this world is enough? Do you wrestle with difficult people in impossible situations at work? Does your faith in Jesus seem far away when it comes to difficult decisions? Is it impossible to respond in faith when tough situations arise? This year, Ignite Life is studying the book of John. This gospel is a glorious collection of the impossible things that Jesus did during his ministry. When we zoom like a microscope lens in Chapter 6, we see seemingly impossible things taking place. How we respond to the miracles of the impossible can give us an idea about our relationship with Jesus.
To give the context of what’s happening, Jesus has started to make waves in and around Jerusalem. People are flooding into Jerusalem to worship at the Temple because it is Passover. The air is electric and everyone is talking about this guy named Jesus who heals people and stands up to the Jewish leaders (See John 5). The crowds gather and find Him sitting with His disciples. Jesus sees the crowd coming and knows they are hungry. But, it’s impossible to feed that many people. I love Andrew’s (Peter’s brother) heart in this conversation, because it reflects my own heart: a quick blip on the faith radar, and then the reality of this thing being impossible sets in: “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” (John 6:9 NASB). More times than I’d like to admit, I have had God speak something to my heart, and I want to believe it, but it is too impossible for my mind to grasp, so I doubt. Let us not discredit what we have to offer Jesus. He can do abundantly more with it than we ever could. After five thousand people were fed, the disciples were instructed to gather up the leftovers “so nothing will be lost.” There were twelve baskets of leftover food; from five barley loaves and two fish!
After the teaching and miracle of a meal, His disciples get into a boat and start traveling across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. Jesus conquers another impossibility by walking on water to get to the disciples in the boat. Even when I make decisions without Jesus, and I get into an impossible mess, He is able to get to me, despite me leaving Him behind. Let us not leave Jesus behind in our decisions.
Once they get to Capernaum, the crowds return. A conversation ensues and Jesus tells them that He is one who has been sent to fulfill the law of Moses (John 6:26-40). He is the one who has been sent to fulfill the longing of the people’s heart.
The people don’t like what Jesus says. These concepts were to much for them to handle. What He is saying and relating to is all impossible. The crowds begin to disperse, whispering under their breath at Jesus’ words. Many of His disciples don’t like what He has to say either, and many of them stop following Him. Jesus is standing there, with the remaining twelve disciples. He asks them, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” (John 6:67 NASB). I love Peter’s response to Jesus’s question: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69 NASB). Let us be a people who can respond with such faith.
After studying this chapter, the questions I can ask about my relationship to Jesus are: What is my response to these impossible things that Jesus did? What is my response to the seemingly impossible things in my life that Jesus wants to do? These are questions that I need to wrestle with in regards to my faith. Am I a Passover Pilgrim, buzzing in excitement with news of what Jesus has done for someone, with no personal encounter with Him? Am I a Casual Convert, who follows Him because of what He has provided for me? Or am I a Devoted Disciple that believes Jesus is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do, even if it seems impossible?
These may be tough questions to ask myself, but I think they are necessary so that I can Come and See Jesus conquer the impossible. Remember, He can do abundantly more with what I bring to the table. He can help me in my decision making and my comings and goings. He can fulfill the longings of my heart. He can help grow my faith so that I know who He is. Jesus is so patient with me on my faith journey. He is faithful to conquer the impossible. Every time.
Are you ready to Come and See Jesus conquer your impossible? Sweet sister, He has so much in store for you! I pray that you know that He is the Holy One of God, and that you are walking out your faith journey as a devoted disciple. If you have questions about following Jesus and letting Him conquer your impossible, reach out to an Ignite Life leader for coffee, conversations, and prayer. We are here to love you and walk with you as you Come and See Jesus conquer the impossible.
Megan Sinisi is one of our Refres{her} bloggers. She describes herself as a 30-something year old lady who is still figuring out who the heck she is and sometimes worries she is just crazy. Megan is a most of the time stay at home mom of 3 precious little “tyrants” whom she loves more than her own breathe and wife to an amazing husband. She absolutely adores a good cup of coffee, chocolate and peanut butter combinations, coloring, being crafty, figuring out homeschooling her children, being silly and laughing with her husband, and chatting with friends about embarrassing moments and deep things at the same time. She has a love and fervor for writing and is walking in faith that God is calling her to use the passion and the gift He has given her. She hopes that her journey encourages, challenges, inspires, comforts, and most importantly, shines the light of Jesus and the reality of His love, grace, and mercy. More writings can be found on Megan's blog at: https://myrenderingheart.wordpress.com/