As a grandmother, I often exclaim to my grandchildren “that’s amazing”” over one of their many accomplishments (such as first steps, first words and sentences, using the potty (anytime), riding a bicycle, drawing a picture, you get the idea…). It is truly wonderful, but probably not really amazing. In fact, it’s just what is supposed to happen as they grow up.
But did you know that it is reported twice in the Bible that Jesus himself was amazed? What could possibly amaze Jesus?
“He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.” (Mark 6:5-6). After he had started his ministry travels, Jesus went back home to preach in Nazareth. He didn’t accomplish much there, however, because the people who had watched him grow up rejected him. Even his own brothers and sisters thought he was a joke. We learn from Peter (in the gospel of Mark) that Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. Even though they had watched him grow up from a child, they failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. That’s amazing!
“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” (Matthew 8:10). Jesus was also amazed at the Roman soldier who requested that Jesus heal his son and who knew that He could do it without even coming into the house where his son was.Even though this Centurion was stationed in Palestine to impose Roman authority over the Jews, he recognized Jesus as the Son of God. That’s amazing!
It has always been amazing to me that the Jewish leaders failed to see Jesus for who He was. They were blinded by their own self-interest and didn’t want to diminish their own authority and prestige by admitting that Jesus was the Messiah, as prophesied in their own Holy Scriptures. And it has always been amazing to me that Jesus chose people of humble status to be his chosen apostles to carry on after He ascended to Heaven. These mostly unlearned men were able to know the truth and state with confidence, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). And on the truth of this statement by Peter, Jesus established the Church.
God is actively at work in the world; Jesus is reigning on his heavenly throne as His Son. The Holy Spirit is alive and is available to each of us. We must call on God daily to open our hearts and minds to His sovereignty, His leadership, and allow Him to rule and reign over our lives. If He is to be amazed, I pray that it will be amazement at our belief and our obedience, rather than our rejection and disobedience (and note that there is no in-between). And I firmly believe that the more aware we are of the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, the more we will see Him at work displaying His amazing power.
In Christ,
Judy
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