Play-by-Play: John (1/3)Sample

The Impossible Task

Theme verses: “And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.” John 6:12-13

What is the most impossible mathematical record in sports? In 1954, skeptics said no man would ever break the “4-minute barrier” in the mile run. Scientists claimed the human body was not capable of such a feat. Roger Bannister proved the experts wrong. Wilt Chamberlain, center for the Philadelphia Warriors, scored an NBA single-game record of 100 points against the New York Knicks in 1962. No other players have mathematically come close to that record other than Kobe Bryant’s 81 points game in 2006. My favorite impossible record was Yankee great Mickey Mantle’s longest home run ever hit. Experts estimated it traveled 562 feet.

One reason many fans love sports is the mathematical tests athletes face each time they compete. Whether it’s breaking the school scoring record in basketball or touchdowns in football, fans love seeing the impossible happen. Every believer will face a test that mathematics shows are impossible. How should we respond? There’s an answer in John 6 when Philip met an impossible math problem. Jesus asked him to feed the poor without having the money to do so. This was an impossible task! The feeding of the five thousand was a miracle of such consequence that it is recorded in all four gospels.

There’s a lesson of faithful obedience we should all follow from this story. For the believer, there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging our own inadequacy and Lord’s supremacy. This isn’t shrinking from a challenge, but merely recognizing the size of the challenge. When confronted with the impossible task, we should ask ourselves two questions. Does the challenge glorify God? Does the challenge fulfill a Biblical command? The solution to the disciple’s impossible task was the disciples taking care of the addition while Jesus handled the multiplication.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete pursue their Christian calling with Jesus as their focus. Whenever there is a need, they give all they have to Jesus and let Him do the rest.

H.E.A.R.

As you read today’s chapter, journal using the H.E.A.R method:

H (Highlight) - What stands out to you? If something stands out to you, it’s likely God pulling you toward a certain portion of scripture.

E (Explain) - Describe in context the text. Ask questions like: Why was this written? To whom was it originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after? Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?

A (Apply) - How do you take this verse beyond the page? Ask questions like: How can this help me? What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?

R (Respond) - This is where you will write a measurable response to the truth God revealed. Maybe it will be a call to action, something you will change in the coming week. Maybe it will be a prayer asking God to help you work this truth into your life. Whichever, make sure it is measurable so you can hold yourself accountable in your growth as a disciple.