“Is it Really Impossible?” Mark 9: /05/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles

Is it Really Impossible? 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. (Mark 9:14-16)

Is it Really Impossible? 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” (Mark 9:17-18)

Is it Really Impossible? 19 “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. (Mark 9:19-20)

Is it Really Impossible? 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:21- 23)

Is it Really Impossible? 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (Mark 9:24-25)

Is it Really Impossible? 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” (Mark 9:26-28)

Is it Really Impossible? 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29)

Is it Really Impossible? In this passages we see a seemingly impossible situation. “Impossible” means without strength, impotent, powerless, incapable of being done. I want you to see with me several important spiritual insights concerning God doing the impossible in our lives.

Is it Really Impossible?  God Is an Expert in Handling Totally Impossible Situations Jesus isn’t some distant, disconnected deity. Look at the situation in which this father found himself.

Is it Really Impossible? 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid.” (Mark 9:18)

Is it Really Impossible? “Dear God, I have doubts about you sometimes. Sometimes I really believe. Like when I was four and I hurt my arm and you healed it up fast. But my question is, if you could do this why don’t you stop all the bad in the world? Like war. Like diseases. Like famine. Like drugs.

Is it Really Impossible? And there are problems in other people’s neighborhoods too. I’ll try to believe more.” (signed Ian)

Is it Really Impossible? The invitation of Jesus in v. 19, “Bring the boy to me.” Here’s the solution to every seemingly impossible situation that we may encounter.

Is it Really Impossible? Jesus tells the boy’s dad,  “all things are possible”! (Mark 9:23) 22 “… if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us (Mark 9:22). Many folks never consider the limitless power of God.

Is it Really Impossible?  God Cannot Do the Impossible until He Places Us into an Impossible Situation Jesus knows that this man is feeling the way we feel. He was like so many others before him.

Is it Really Impossible?  Abraham and Sarah  The Israelites facing the Red Sea  The Israelites at Kadesh Barnea  David in the valley of Elah  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego  Daniel and the lions’ den

Is it Really Impossible? When it seemed there was no hope, when it seemed there was no way out… then God did something wonderful! Jesus said, “Nothing is impossible!”  Jesus says, “The impossible situation isn’t the problem.”  The problem is our underestimation of the power of God.

Is it Really Impossible?  We Must Open the Door to the Miraculous Intervention of God The father’s reply to Jesus tells us a whole lot about the nature of faith. 24 “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Is it Really Impossible?  It is paradoxical, but not really contradictory.  The man showed a measure of faith by bringing his son to Jesus in the first place.

Is it Really Impossible?  This poor fellow came to Jesus not because he had perfect faith and trust in God, but because he was so desperate he was willing to try anything...even Jesus!

Is it Really Impossible? Sometimes it seems easy to believe, and other times much easier to doubt.  But real, deep, religious faith requires effort.  There are no short-cuts or bargain- basement closeouts in faith!

Is it Really Impossible? Without faith we close the door on God’s power in our lives. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Heb 11:6) – We Must Open the Door to the Miraculous Intervention of God

Is it Really Impossible?  Conclusion Unless we expect the miraculous intervention of God, we will never open the door. You can’t put your faith in anyone or anything else! He will open your eyes.

Is it Really Impossible? What will you do today? Come to Jesus in faith…do not turn away!

Is it Really Impossible? Mark 9: /05/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles