Grains of Sand

Pixabay It's been busy. Jesus is in high demand—both by His friends and by His enemies. The disciples have just returned from an extensive missions trip and have reported all that took place while they were on the road. " The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest' " (Mark 6:30, 31). We all know how that worked out! Even though they found themselves a lonely spot, the crowds pursued Jesus and the lonely place wasn't lonely anymore. But Jesus, being Who He was, didn't feel resentment or dismay or indulge in a pity party. Mark says, "... he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things " (vs. 34). The day passed. The disciples came to Jesus to point out where...

alwaysapastor.com (Google Images) That the authorities were now actively looking for a way to get rid of Jesus did not deter the common people from seeking Him out wherever He was. Huge crowds followed Him from many parts of the region. Nowhere in Scripture do we read so much about healing as we do when it comes to the ministry of Jesus. The miracles were evidence to all of who He was, especially since such a sheer volume of such miracles was not common. Matthew 12:17-23 quotes Isaiah 42:1-4: “ Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope. ” The reminder from the Old Testament of the nature of the Messiah’s coming should have calmed the fears of the pol...