As you read Mark 2-3 and John 2 from our daily Lent plan, what stands out the most to you and why?
To say that Jesus’ ministry was controversial is an understatement. While multitudes came to Him and found healing, others questioned everything about Him… including His power to heal the sick. The Pharisees made it their mission to destroy Him. They questioned Him at every turn and constantly tried to trap Him using His own teachings as well as the Law. Never finding success, the Pharisees would ultimately seek to destroy Him the only way they knew how… Little did they know that it would be His ultimate victory!
- Mark 2 – Jesus Reveals Himself as Our Healer
And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” – Mark 2:5 (ESV)
The paralyzed man was brought to Jesus for physical healing, but he received something far greater… spiritual healing. It wasn’t until verse 11 that Jesus told the paralytic man to get up and walk. This is probably one of my favorite stories of healing in all of Jesus’ ministry. (I say “one of” because I have many!) He came to Jesus for physical healing, but his greater need was met first.
How often do we take our needs to God and He answers them differently than we expected? Jesus knew the hearts of the people around Him. He could see their faith. The paralytic man still received his physical healing, but not before Jesus addressed his greater need. And in doing so, Jesus was able to reveal a bit more of Himself. Yes, Jesus could forgive sins here on earth.
- Mark 3 – Jesus Reveals Himself as Merciful and Compassionate
And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. – Mark 3:5-6 (ESV)
In verse 5, we read that Jesus was “grieved at their hardness of heart.” Even as the Pharisees were plotting against Him, His heart broke for them. What an amazing reminder of just how merciful and loving our God is!
Jesus was often the center of controversy. But I find it interesting how He chose to respond. There were times, yes, when He challenged the religious leaders. But He always remained wise in His speech and in His actions. He knew when to be silent and when to speak up. He also demonstrated great compassion and mercy… even to those who were plotting to kill Him.
- John 2 – Jesus Reveals His Heart
When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” – John 2:3-5 (ESV)
I’ve always loved the story of Jesus turning water into wine. It gives us an intimate glimpse into the personal relationship Jesus had with his mother Mary. Although, I must admit I’m left with some questions. How did Mary know Jesus could turn the water into wine? Had He done something like that before in their private home life? I also find it funny that she almost completely ignores what Jesus said to her. She simply turns to the servants and tells them to obey Him.
For me personally, this chapter shares Jesus’ heart and His emotions. He cared about His mother enough to fulfill a great need. And He cared deeply about God’s house in verses 13-22 and cleansed the temple. But He also knew the heart of man. Verse 24 reveals Jesus’ lack of trust in those who claimed to believe in Him. They loved the miracles, but would they still follow Him when it meant surrendering their lives?
Yes, Jesus was quite controversial. He inspired people with hope as He performed miraculous deeds. But He also challenged the minds and heart of all who listened.
Jesus, our Healer, loves us deeply. He is merciful, compassionate, knows our hearts, and forgives our sins.
So while the cost of following Him means surrendering all we have to Him, it is more than worth it!
And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:34-35 (ESV)
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