I began in yesterday's blog to list the variety of reactions to Jesus. I introduced this subject with the dramatic contrast found in Mark 5. There we see the spiritually liberated (formerly demon possessed) man begging to go with Jesus right after the town people have pleaded with Jesus to depart.
Notice with me other reactions in the early chapters of Mark's Gospel. Amazement. At least six times Mark records the reaction of amazement: at his new, powerful, authoritative teaching (1:22, 6:2, 10:26 11:18); at his powerful healing miracles (7:37). The disciples were understandably amazed when he walked on the water and then spoke to them and climbed into the boat. (6:51)
Somewhat similar is the reaction of fear. The disciples were terrified when Jesus calmed the storm: "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (4:40, 41) The crowd who learned of the demon possessed man and the drowning of the pigs were afraid. (4:15) The woman who had been bleeding for 12 years and now was healed but discovered by Jesus, was afraid. (5:33; see also 6:50, 11:18)
Offended. The residents of Jesus' hometown, Nazareth, were at first amazed at his teaching. But then as they considered that He was just one of them, Mary's son the carpenter, they were offended by Him. (6:1 - 3)
If we tabulated every kind of reaction and response to Jesus, the list would be long, especially if we surveyed all four Gospel accounts. Some people openly follow Him, some become only secret followers. Some run after Him, others walk away from Him. Some worship Him, others accuse Him of using the power of Satan to perform miracles. Some express love for Him while others grow to hate Him. The Gospels record a wide, often contrasting variety of reactions to Jesus.
Isn't it interesting that the perhaps the most common reaction to Jesus in Canada is never recorded of anyone in the Gospels? No one seemed to react with indifference to Jesus. No one displayed disinterested neutrality after hearing Him teach or seeing His miracles. Sadly, for many in Canada and Europe especially, Jesus Christ and his church are simply irrelevant to the average person.
That is not true in some parts of the world. There are countries today where Jesus and His followers stir strong reactions. In those countries, people are strongly attracted to join His followers even at great risk, while others react with anger and even hatred.
Notice with me other reactions in the early chapters of Mark's Gospel. Amazement. At least six times Mark records the reaction of amazement: at his new, powerful, authoritative teaching (1:22, 6:2, 10:26 11:18); at his powerful healing miracles (7:37). The disciples were understandably amazed when he walked on the water and then spoke to them and climbed into the boat. (6:51)
Somewhat similar is the reaction of fear. The disciples were terrified when Jesus calmed the storm: "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (4:40, 41) The crowd who learned of the demon possessed man and the drowning of the pigs were afraid. (4:15) The woman who had been bleeding for 12 years and now was healed but discovered by Jesus, was afraid. (5:33; see also 6:50, 11:18)
Offended. The residents of Jesus' hometown, Nazareth, were at first amazed at his teaching. But then as they considered that He was just one of them, Mary's son the carpenter, they were offended by Him. (6:1 - 3)
If we tabulated every kind of reaction and response to Jesus, the list would be long, especially if we surveyed all four Gospel accounts. Some people openly follow Him, some become only secret followers. Some run after Him, others walk away from Him. Some worship Him, others accuse Him of using the power of Satan to perform miracles. Some express love for Him while others grow to hate Him. The Gospels record a wide, often contrasting variety of reactions to Jesus.
Isn't it interesting that the perhaps the most common reaction to Jesus in Canada is never recorded of anyone in the Gospels? No one seemed to react with indifference to Jesus. No one displayed disinterested neutrality after hearing Him teach or seeing His miracles. Sadly, for many in Canada and Europe especially, Jesus Christ and his church are simply irrelevant to the average person.
That is not true in some parts of the world. There are countries today where Jesus and His followers stir strong reactions. In those countries, people are strongly attracted to join His followers even at great risk, while others react with anger and even hatred.
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