Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” Mark 7 : 35 - 37
Bible reading : Mark 7 : 24 - 37
Thought for the week
Throughout the Gospels Jesus meets people from His heart of kindness and compassion. Revealing His love in surprising and wonderful ways.
Yet meeting with Jesus is never going to be easy. He meets us with His truth, the One who is Truth. He can be unsettling, discomforting, abrasive even. Always in love. Always bringing new things.
In our reading today a woman comes to Jesus in faith that He can heal her daughter. Yet she is an outsider in terms of Israel and the Jewish expectations. Jesus speaks to her of giving children’s bread to dogs. It is disarming, uncomfortable language. But meeting with Jesus is never going to be straightforward, comfortable or easy.
Jesus heals the woman’s daughter, and praises her for her faith, then goes on to Gentile towns healing and responding to those who come believing in Him.
None of this was easy for Jesus’ Jewish followers, or the religious authorities, or for that matter, in His humanity, for Jesus Himself. Jesus disturbs us from our comfortable places. Faith in Him leads us to lay aside all that hinders, and take up all that brings true life. What about us? How does Jesus need to challenge you and me today?
Rev Paul
Prayer
O Lord, our Lord
How great is your name in all the earth.
We praise you for your greatness,
And thank you for the nearness of your presence.
Always in the presence of your love,
May we be present to you now.
We lift our hearts to you.
Rejoicing in your goodness and grace. Amen.
Jesus, teacher, healer, freedom bringer,
our hope and our life, as we worship you we praise you.
You know how much we need you.
May we hear your voice, sing your praise,
and love you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
In your Name we pray. Amen.