In the Transfiguration account of Mark we learn how to set our minds on the things of God (xref: Mark 8:33) and how to follow Jesus (xref: Mark 8:34).

Do we understand that Jesus is the Christ? But do we understand the purpose of the Christ? And with that, do we understand that he wants us to join him in his purpose? Like the blind man's friends in this passage, let's bring people to Jesus and beg for Jesus to touch them.

In this passage we see simple faith in the crowd who are following Jesus for days into the wilderness. They get to see and experience Jesus and his power. They are contrasted with the Pharisees and the disciples who miss what is right in front of them. Is there something in your life that is keeping you from seeing and experiencing Jesus?

Am I desperate for Jesus and what he freely offers? Or am I living with entitled expectations for what I think Jesus should be giving me?

God sets the standard of righteousness and it begins and ends with our heart.

Jesus does some amazing things in this passage. But more amazing than the miracles themselves is how he weaves giant themes from the entire Bible together to prove his identity. Will we harden our hearts and resist? Or will we believe and find the satisfaction that only he can give?

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, he made straight the path of the Lord. He showed the way that Jesus would go, from message to even his death. We show those around us too. Our life is a trail marker and often it is in the toughest parts where we show Jesus the most.

Why should we not fear and only believe? Because Jesus is not in any way limited by anything. Nothing is impossible with him. And because he loves us more than we can fathom.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you are. It doesn't matter what you've done or what has happened to you. It is the power of Jesus that frees us, restores us, and is our testimony.

I cultivate a fear of God by… 1) Feeding my mind with the truth of God. 2) Feeding my soul with the majesty of God. 3) Feeding my heart with the love of God.