This passage reflects a crucial, game-changing moment in Jesus’ ministry. He publically forgives the sins of a crippled man, then heals his physical condition as well. The man is told to pick up his mat and go home.
By declaring his right and ability to forgive sins, Jesus equated himself with God.
Read More forgiveness, miracle, home“God’s timing is not our timing.” We have probably all heard that sentence, sometimes used to comfort; often it may just be frustrating.
Here we see it played out in a life and death drama. Jesus is on his way to Jairus’ house to tend to his dying daughter. The bleeding woman who is healed by her faith and her touch of Jesus’ clothing interrupts Jesus on the way there.
Read More life, trust, miracle, timingJericho symbolized victory to the people of Israel. But not everyone felt victorious. Blind Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, forced to earn his keep by begging on the street, heard that Jesus of Nazareth, was in town. A crowd followed Jesus as he made his way down the street. Bartimaeus tried to attract the attention of Jesus by calling out. Some tried to hush up the loud, obnoxious cries of the blind man.
Read More healing, miracle, followingThe disciples had just experienced something incredible. Five thousand people fed with only a small lunch. I believe that miracle was more about showing the identity of Jesus than anything else. What the crowds and the disciples saw Jesus do began to inform their belief about who he really is.
It’s one thing to believe Jesus is from God. It’s another thing entirely to believe he is God.
Read More understanding, miracle, Son of GodFor anyone who has suffered, or for anyone whose loved one has suffered, this passage has implications.
The disciples make an assumption (v 2) based on scripture. They know God is sovereign. They have been taught he punishes sin into the third and fourth generation (Exodus 20:5; 34:7, Deuteronomy 5:9).
Read More sin, suffering, miracle, blindness