In 1st century Judea, blindness was a particular burden. Not only were the blind unable to see; they were understood to be deserving of their condition. Jesus healed many blind who came to him and in today’s reading, he restored sight to two men. Though he warned them to not speak about him, they “talked about him to everyone in that part of the country.”
Read More new life, Son of GodIn this passage, Jesus finally gets some time alone to pray after the beheading of his cousin, John. After dismissing the crowd and his disciples, he spent a few hours on a nearby mountainside. By the time he descended, it was past midnight and the disciples were well out into the lake and working hard because the wind was against them. As the hours passed, the waves became higher, tossing the fishing boat every which way.
Read More faith, Son of God, revelationI must admit, I sometimes fall into the same trap Jesus’ friends and family fell into. When I hear that someone from my small Manitoba town has “made it big” somewhere in the world, it’s easy for me to discount the accomplishment. Why do we seem to think the amazing people all come from somewhere else?
In a very real sense, Jesus did come from somewhere else.
Read More reverence, Son of God, faithThe 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 God