The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible

by Mark Batterson

Do we believe that God still does miracles? Do we expect him to move in miraculous ways in our day-in, day-out lives? Maybe we'd like to see miracles, but it's hard to see past our problems. All that is about to change, like water into wine.

"There are miracles all around us all the time," says Mark Batterson, "but you won't see them if you don't know how to look for them."

Now the bestselling author of The Circle Maker reveals the incredible power of the seven miraculous signs of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Batterson shows how they were not simply something Jesus did in the past, but something he wants to do now , in the present. He shares true stories of people today who are experiencing miracles in their lives. And he brings to light countless miracles, big and small, that we take for granted every day that point us toward the One who healed the sick, calmed the storm, and yes, even raised the dead.

But this is more than a book about miracles. It's a book about the only One who can perform them. Batterson cautions readers, "Don't just seek miracles. Seek Jesus. And if you seek Jesus, miracles will find you."

Nothing has changed since Jesus called Lazarus out of his tomb four days after his funeral. Our impossible situations still double as God's greatest opportunity to reveal his glory. No matter how big the problem is, God is bigger still. Anyone who longs to see God work in miraculous ways today will love Batterson's faith-building, life-giving message.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Religion, Inspirational, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2014

About the author

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into The Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and co-working space. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times best-selling author of seventeen books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Play the Man, Whisper, and, most recently, Double Blessing. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.

Reviews

[Grace A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I am in a spiritual slump; I usually pick up Mark Batterson’s book and without fail I feel reenergized as I am reminded of our great big God.
The grave robber is a journey through Jesus’s miracles. The way Mark Batterson tells the story, incorporating day to day miracles and the wonders of the simplest things, gives it a unique, inspiring jolt and awestruck reminder of the creator of everything.
It was a fantastic read.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a goodreads first reads winner of this inspirational book. Mark Batterson writes a wonderful book that talks of Seven signs of Jesus. this is taken from what he has learned from the Bible from the book of John. Each chapter covers those seven signs of miracles that Jesus has shown in the Bible. this is an uplifting book of the miracles that Jesus has done. How God listens to our prayers. how some are granted and others take you in a new direction in your life. I liked reading the scriptures through out this nicely written book. It is a nice reminder of the miracles Jesus has done, such as turning water into wine, feeding thousands with a few loafs of bread a two fish, walk on water, healing the blind and raising from the dead. to name a few miracles. this book came at a much needed time in my life, I was glad I got the chance to read this inspirational book.

[Lyndon]

Decided to abandon this book. I'll never finish it. The first section was pretty anemic, hardly any exegisis, and full of emotional stories that might work well during a sermon but just aren't substantive enough to support the subject matter of a book like this one purported to be (covering the seven key miracles in the Gospel of John).

This is the challenge for very popular preachers (though I'd never heard of Batterson before) - they have megachurches and publishing houses think that because they are good communicators from the pulpit (and can draw a crowd) that they are thus solid biblical commentators and can communicate via the written word. Not always the case. Maybe Batterson's other books are better but this one didn't endear me to picking up any of this others.

My advice, stick to the classics in Christian lit and the solid theologians for substantive and life-changing reading.

[Kristin Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The God who did miracles centuries ago still makes the impossible possible today!

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He’s more than the Wine Maker or the Water Walker. He’s the Grave Robber.”

“The first miracle foreshadows the last. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus turned water into wine. At the Last Supper, Jesus raised a cup of wine and said, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’ On the eve of the crucifixion, Jesus turned an ordinary cup of wine into a bottomless glass of grace. And we can all get a sip of it. He transformed the fruit of the vine into the agent of forgiveness for every sin ever committed.”

“Some miracles take tough love. Some miracles take time. Some miracles take extra effort. Some miracles take blood, sweat, and tears.”

The Grave Robber by Mark and Parker Batterson shows how Jesus can make our impossible possible. By using the Gospel of John and focusing on seven miracles of Jesus (water into wine, the healing of the official’s son, healing the invalid to be able to walk, feeding of the 5000+, walking on water, healing the blind man to see for the first time, and raising Lazarus from the dead), we see the full spectrum of Jesus’ lordship, sovereignty, and power. These seven miracles are great reminders to us how Jesus did these miraculous wonders with all different kinds of people he encountered. And Mark and Parker Batterson show us through true stories how God is still doing miracles today - some big and some small.

I found some of these recent miracles truly inspiring as well as entertaining. People healed, the Holy Spirit nudging people into action, God’s perfect timing: hard to get enough of that! The authors do a great job as well talking about how often miracles do not happen, or more importantly how they either don’t happen when or the way we want them to. And this is where trust and obedience are so important to our faith. I also appreciated how they conveyed different miracles in the Bible where the receiver had to do some work for the miracle. It was encouraging me to continuing to pray for something even when, and especially when, I am not receiving the answer I want at the moment I want it to happen.

Lastly, the authors blend in some humor at the right places. There are great stories and object lessons. It’s presented in a way that is easy to read and understand but never waters down the gospel message. I definitely recommend this to someone looking for a Christian Living book.

[Abbi DeWall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my fav but still a fantastic perspective on just being in awe of the lord in the big and the small :)

[Debi Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Family Christian in exchange for my honest review. When I first received this book, the first thing I noticed was not the title, but instead, the words under the title - "How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible". I knew that in my own personal life, Jesus had made the impossible possible, and that I am a walking, talking miracle of God. For those of you that don't know my story: in August of 2012, I was involved in a near-fatal car accident. When the Florida Highway Patrol first called the accident in, they reported it to the hospital as a probable fatality, but instead, here I am alive to share the story with you.

"There are miracles all around us all the time," says Mark Batterson, "but you won't see them if you don't know how to look for them."

Now the bestselling author of The Circle Maker reveals the incredible power of the seven miraculous signs of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Batterson shows how they were not simply something Jesus did in the past, but something he wants to do now, in the present. This book shares true stories of people today who are experiencing miracles in their lives. And he brings to light countless miracles, big and small, that we take for granted every day that point us toward the One who healed the sick, calmed the storm, and yes, even raised the dead.

But what about you - do you believe that God still does miracles? Do you expect him to move in miraculous ways in your day-in and day-out life? Maybe you would like to see miracles, but it's hard to see past your problems.

But this is more than a book about miracles. It's a book about the only One who can perform them. Batterson cautions readers, "Don't just seek miracles. Seek Jesus. And if you seek Jesus, miracles will find you."

If you are anything like me, you already believe God can perform big miracles. It's the little ones that still get me though. After my car accident I was faced with specialists telling me I'd never run again and that I might just walk. I immediately said "Oh yeah? I guess you don't know my God". Instantly I realized that I had faith and what that meant for me is that I believed in His miracles. These were experts in their field who had placed the rods and bolts inside my body and they were the ones that knew what I was facing, but instead of accepting the limits they were placing on me, I gratefully had faith. As it turned out, God proved them wrong and miracles were performed. He healed my body in ways modern science could not.

That accident and my miraculous healing led me to try and be a better messenger of God's Word. I generally tell anyone who will listen that I am one of God's walking and talking miracles, and that He graced me with His healing and for that I am blessed beyond measure. I am a true believer in God's miracles, that's for sure.

This book is definitely a book you'll love!

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contained several stories that were included in The Circle Maker and/or Draw the Circle, both of which I have read this year. Thus, sometimes, it felt repetitive. That is the only reason I am not giving it five stars, because I did love it and think it's well worth reading. It's a faith builder and continued encouragement to me as I spend 2015 studying prayer and prayer warriors. The book takes a close look at the seven miracles covered in John's gospel and gives the reader fresh insight into what they were, what they meant to those with Jesus at the time, and what they mean to His followers today.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I think that this book contained some great teaching points and would be great for spiritual growth in some, it was not a book for me. Actually I think that I have gone beyond this type of book, which I see frequently in the Christian nonfiction genre. The books have some spiritual truth that is then covered with all sorts of illustrations to hype up the reader. But when it gets down to the meat of the issue there is very little scripture or theology. At this point I am leaving a review not only on this book but so many of this type of book. This book was published 10 years ago and I bought it around then. I think, if I had read it then I would have loved it. I have however, grown beyond it.

I do think that I would have enjoyed the Bible study of this book. I think hearing it and doing work around the topic would have hit better then reading the book alone.
I don't think that there is anything wrong in the book, but just not deep enough for me.

[Varina Denman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as my morning devotional the past month. Very good!

[Darla Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best of Batterson in my opinion. There's not as much overlap with other books😊

[Christy Boucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great lessons! Loved every page! ❤️

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up The Grave Robber a while back because the title caught my attention, and I loved The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

It was love that led Jesus to the cross. It was willpower that kept Him nailed there.

The Grave Robber covers the seven key miracles in the book of John. It is written in an engaging, conversational style. There are many great nuggets tucked into the book. I read this as part of my daily devotions. It was easy to read a little or an entire chapter, depending on the time I had.

Sometimes we let fear keep us from praying for a miracle because we feel like we will have failed if God doesn't answer the way we want. That isn't failure because the answer isn't up to us. The only way we can fail is failing to ask.

I appreciate the amount of research that goes into Batterson's books. With doses of humor spread throughout the book, the book does not feel heavy, nor does Batterson water down Scripture.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word: Fantastic.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first saw the title of this book I thought it was going to be a reflection on the meaning or power of the Resurrection of Jesus. Instead, I discovered it was a book reflecting upon the 7 miracle stories in the Gospel of St John. Of course, the culminating miracle there is the raising of Lazarus from the tomb - hence, the "Grace Robber" title.

As I got into the book, I had the sense that this volume was the culmination of an extended sermon series or adult education series on the Miracle stories in John - which is totally fine. There were some excellent inspiring stories and reflections as the author worked through each of the miracle stories. Yet Batterson ran into the classic theological challenge in Christianity, especially since the rise of fundamentalism in the early 20th century and more recent evangelicalism - namely, that of claiming the belief that God is in control and all powerful, and the realities of human suffering and evil in the world. Batterson is heavy on the concept of Divine Appointments - that God has a plan for every thing and every one. The miraculous comes from God, and he espouses they would happen with more regularity, if people were simply looking for the miracles, making themselves receptive to the miracles, and believing that miracles were part of God's plan for our lives. Yet, when it comes to the reality of evil, and when life doesn't go well, there is a reversion to the belief of Free Will, and that these negative things happen because of our human choices. Which then means that God is not in total control.

Another place of discomfort for me was the espousal that we could all experience miracles in our lives if we but believed in their possibility, surrendered ourselves to God's will, and stepped out in faith, taking risks, and then allowing God to work the miraculous in our lives. The danger, of course, is that taking risks could get you killed or have other serious consequences before anything miraculous might occur. But secondly, there is the difficult place of saying "if you just have enough faith and belief you will see and experience miracles". This then implies that if you don't see or experience such miraculous things, you just must not have enough faith. Part of the answer given to this is to then simply say, "well, it just will happen, eventually, in God's time." That is a catch all solution, but I don't know how accurate that really is.

Aside from the content of the book, I would comment on the recording. I listened to this work as an audio book. The editing could have been improved. There was no allowance of space and pause to separate out chapter headings and titles, opening quotes or thoughts, and the rest of the chapter. Nor was their space for sub-headings in the chapters. Everything was simply read straightforward and at the same pace, leaving me periodically confused until I realized, "oh, that was just a sub-heading." Some additional editing could shape the book to be easier for the reader to understand.

Another concept found frequently through the book is the concept of "hearing when God is speaking to you." It was often repeated in stories of various people that "God's spoke to them and said to do....x, y, or z." How did they know it was God and not their own desires? How did they know it was God and not Satan? Did they only believe it was God in hindsight? While God DID speak to characters in the Bible, it was still considered an exception to the rule; yet, in this book, it seemed to be very commonplace and normal. I don't want to sound like a naysayer, but such frequency of God's speaking leaves me skeptical.

I do not question Batterson's belief or faith. I believe he is very sincere, and there were times I caught myself saying, "I wish I could have that kind of faith." But at the same time, I think the book leaves the reader with unresolved theological challenges which, as they are left, could be damaging to the faith of very sincere people who have been hurt by the realities of evil and human sinfulness in our world.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw some reviews that said through the book, he looses the 7 miraculous signs outline. But I did not get that impression. It seemed clearly followed and consistent throughout.
I have also read his Praying Circles for your kids (or around your kids?), so I am familiar with his style. He uses many examples, stories gathered over the years, historical references and quotes many notable people.
I read this book because it is required for our Bible Quizzers to read and write an essay about it for the Discipleship award. The only aspect I feel needs to be discussed and clarified with the teens is the miracle of walking on the water. The author spends some time explaining how big the lake is and how long it would take a person to walk that far. So he makes the conclusion that Jesus walked on the water for a couple hours to get from the shore to the boat.... that could be.... but there's no mention of the option for Jesus just to simply appear in the visual range of the disciples. It's within His power to simply disappear on land and reappear at the exact location on the water that He wanted to be. Maybe I've seen too many movies or missed some great theological truth that while in human form, Jesus isn't allowed to do that. So I was a bit surprised that the option wasn't presented.
Overall, I am excited to watch the DVDs with the teens and hear their thoughts as they read the student edition.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read, and found the writing to be uplifting, humorous, helpful, and engaging. It also was quite thought-provoking and lingering on some of the words of which I saturated and soaked it in. I took some notes and great quotes that I could not ignore, even shared and tagged on Facebook: God ordained dreams is beyond our ability and beyond our resources!

Thank you for obeying the voice of God and being quite a success in the process. I know what it takes to write what say the Lord and then publish it, although, I have not experience such success in book sales, etc. as this author shared in the book to give examples of the impossible being possible.

I look forward to reading "the Plan for the Man" since I need to know to support the man I love.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark Batterson is always an entertaining and spiritually inspiring author. However, on the first page he writes: "John's Gospel spotlights seven miracles, unveiling seven dimensions of Jesus' miraculous power." After presenting his ideas on the first two miracles, he seems to abandon this line of analysis. Based upon what I thought was being promised in the first chapter, the author failed to deliver on how each miracle was connected to the others. Without some connection between the seven miracles, the book simply becomes seven separate, somewhat unrelated, bible studies.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Batterson makes good points about not taking Jesus's miracles for granted. He ties biblical scripture with modern science and true stories to show that miracles are as relevant today as they were in Jesus' time.

This book encouraged me to re-read John's gospel with a fresh eye for details that I have glossed over in past readings. Something I hope to do with the other gospels and letters. I recommend this to individuals and leaders wanting to organize groupd studies.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this book for a few months now. I took it slow on purpose, though a little too slow. There are so many nuggets, words of wisdom, highlight-able quotes. Going through the seven miracles of Jesus in the book of John in this way was powerful. This will be a book I read over and over. I cannot recommend this enough. I thank my friend, T, for giving me her extra copy! Well worth the read!!!

[Justine Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark’s books are very uplifting. I enjoy reading them so much. This one is a bit denser than Million Little Miracles, his new book. It mainly focuses on the 7 miracles Jesus performed and how he establishes himself as the Messiah. He weaves in personal stories about people who have received miracles in their life through faith. It made me believe more deeply, made me want to donate to kingdom causes, and was overall very inspiring. Good lessons for all to take!

[Chelsea Lewandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Batterson is arguably my favorite author. His writings include the perfect combination of anecdotes and inspiring stories with scriptural references and scientific studies. Each chapter encouraged me to believe God for greater miracles, left me thankful for things He’s already provided, and convicted me to grow deeper in my walk with Christ.

[David Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful and inspiring book and one I'd gladly recommend to anyone.

Batterson walks the reader through the Gospel of John highlighting the miracles of Jesus while throwing in modern day examples and applications.

A perfect book for devotional reading. And if I was still pastoring, I'd be mighty tempted to build a series of sermons or a bible study from it.

[Natalie Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend! Mark Batterson is amazing and he does an amazing job explaining miracles in John. He is AMAZING! This book, his book called In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, and Noah Asher's book called Chaos are my top three books I have read this year. Keep reading and keep growing, friends!

[Sandi G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meaty, engaging and inspirational discussion about the miracles in the book of John. Parts were not entirely consistent with my own belief system, but that's okay. I don't have to completely agree with a Bible study to get something out of it, and I thought this one was very well written.

[A.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inspiring read

I definitely love the way the author uses stories and examples to further illustrate biblical truth. This is a well-written book and is definitely worth the time it takes to read it.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such incredible faith filled writing!

A must read if you want to believe more fully in the power the resurrection and how it impacts our daily lives. Such powerful and incredible illustrations and testimonies!

[Abby Burg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done. Batterson covers the seven miracles of Jesus recorded in the book of John in an engaging, thought-provoking way, calling readers to believe again that God can and will do the impossible.

[Mary Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one with a woman’s group at church and watched the videos which enriched the reading. Excellent book based on the 7 signs or miracles in John’s gospel has left me with lots to ponder and apply to my own life.

[Travis Heystek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s not one that goes incredibly deep, but it is filled with truth. It’s a book that’s easy to read and a reminder of the hope we should be constantly aware of in this world. I would definitely recommend it to anyone at any stage of their faith journey.