Read Isaiah 53:3-5, 1 Timothy 3:16
Introduction
In daily conversations, the sentence “against all odds” is used to convey victory in spite of difficult circumstances. Do you sometimes feel that the odds are stacked against you? (Please discuss for few minutes with examples of what this feels like)
Jesus had many odds stacked against Him. Though He was divine He was also every inch human. Scriptures say that “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9 NKJV
Thankfully God’s revealed word as we read in 1 Timothy 3:16 provides more than enough guard rails to guide us through and overcome the many odds of life.
Odds stacked against Jesus
Jesus had certain odds stacked against Him. Let’s look at 6 of them:
- King Herod at birth – Matthew 2:12-16
- The devil – Mark 1:12-13
- The Pharisees – Matthew 22:15
- Siblings who did not believe in Him despite knowing His abilities – John 7:5
- Disciples who had “little” faith – Matthew 8:26 & Matthew 17:14-17
- Many deserted Him except the 12 – John 6:66-68
Grace for Overcoming Odds
Jesus focused on the mission. With Grace mighty upon Him and the 12 remaining disciples He went on to overcome the odds with great success in ministry. He declared the same truth about Himself which the multitudes rejected earlier on. (Read John 7:37-38)
Today over 2.2 billion people believe Jesus to be their Saviour and of the world. That’s 31% of the world and that number will grow greatly in the next decade.
Conclusion
We must stay focused and continue in faith as Jesus did.
The gospel is good news, relevant and revolutionary. It has changed your life “against all odds” and there’s still much growth and change coming your way. Merry Christmas 2018!!!!!