Possible and Not Possible
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.“
Mark 9:23
Possible and Not Possible
When we come to the end of ourselves, it is good to know that all things are possible with God. This declaration is found three times in the Gospel of Mark. First, a desperate father in Mark 9 brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, but they could not cast out the evil spirit. A faithless generation (Mk. 9:19) looked on as the demon threw the pitiable boy to the ground at the very moment he approached the Lord: “If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us!” the father cried (v. 22). And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes” (v. 23 ??s?). Faith in God is the fulcrum on which His response rests when we cry to Him, and all things are possible for faith.
The Lord Jesus set out the same principle when the disciples were astounded to hear that those who trust in riches would find it difficult to enter the kingdom of God. If one with obvious earthly advantages could not be assured of God’s favor, then who could be saved? The Lord affirmed that character and status have nothing to do with salvation; yet with God all things are possible (Mk. 10:27).
These situations show God’s power to accomplish the impossible, but the third event is different. It unfolds in the Garden of Gethsemane as the Lord considered His suffering to come, praying, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will” (Mk. 14:36). What was possible for the Father’s power was not possible for His love. Moments later, Jesus said, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” (Jn. 18:11). With a heart full of love, He went to the cross so that you and I could know the God for whom all things are possible.
Stephen Campbell
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