Encounter the Truth

In the ministry of Jesus in the gospels, we see the new creation breaking into the old in a moment of miraculous wonder. The individual healings and the great feeding miracles point us to the ultimate outworking of the redeeming work of Jesus at the cross: all things will be made new. The sick will be restored in resurrection bodies; the hungry will feast at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Have we come to Jesus to receive a place in this new creation? Are we delighting in the prospect of joining him there?

In the ministry of Jesus in the gospels, we see the new creation breaking into the old in a moment of miraculous wonder. The individual healings and the great feeding miracles point us to the ultimate outworking of the redeeming work of Jesus at the cross: all things will be made new. The sick will be restored in resurrection bodies; the hungry will feast at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Have we come to Jesus to receive a place in this new creation? Are we delighting in the prospect of joining him there?

In an apparently shocking contrast, Jesus calls out the religious insiders for hypocrisy and exposes their sin, while ultimately welcoming an outsider who comes to him in humble faith. He makes it clear that religious ritual is worthless as a means to cleanse from sin. Only humble faith in the Son of David has any power. Where have religion and ritual become a mask for sin in our lives? Are we casting ourselves solely upon the mercy of Jesus for our cleansing and acceptance before God?

In an apparently shocking contrast, Jesus calls out the religious insiders for hypocrisy and exposes their sin, while ultimately welcoming an outsider who comes to him in humble faith. He makes it clear that religious ritual is worthless as a means to cleanse from sin. Only humble faith in the Son of David has any power. Where have religion and ritual become a mask for sin in our lives? Are we casting ourselves solely upon the mercy of Jesus for our cleansing and acceptance before God?

Neither the raging sea nor the incurable disease has any power when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who walks on water and speaks peace to the fearful. He is the One whose touch brings healing from even the cruellest disease. And as we come to him with our hearts diseased by sin and our spirits oppressed by fear, he has power today to bring healing and wholeness.

Neither the raging sea nor the incurable disease has any power when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who walks on water and speaks peace to the fearful. He is the One whose touch brings healing from even the cruellest disease. And as we come to him with our hearts diseased by sin and our spirits oppressed by fear, he has power today to bring healing and wholeness.

When we come to Jesus, he satisfies the deepest needs and longings of our soul. Here in these verses, Jesus has compassion on a needy crowd and provides for them from heaven. We see his heart of kindness, and his power to provide. His heart is the same today, and his power undiminished.

When we come to Jesus, he satisfies the deepest needs and longings of our soul. Here in these verses, Jesus has compassion on a needy crowd and provides for them from heaven. We see his heart of kindness, and his power to provide. His heart is the same today, and his power undiminished.

One of the great surprises of the ministry of Jesus is the way in which people took offense at his gracious teaching. Here in these verses we see Jesus rejected, and John the Baptist beheaded. So we should not be surprised if the world around us rejects the good news of Jesus Christ.

One of the great surprises of the ministry of Jesus is the way in which people took offense at his gracious teaching. Here in these verses we see Jesus rejected, and John the Baptist beheaded. So we should not be surprised if the world around us rejects the good news of Jesus Christ.