What Would Jesus Say To You?

The man spoke with authority, as if he knew the author of the book personally. People weren’t used to that. Most of their teachers were detached, unsure and unconvincing, not this man.

Many who heard didn’t know what to make of his words. His words challenged the status quo, ruffled feathers, stepped on toes. But he spoke with such conviction it was hard not to believe him, or at least want to hear him speak again. Unless you were the status quo, then you were just mad. The religious elite drove him away, pushing him out of town.

But he spoke with such power, the people followed. Multitudes moving through the wilderness shadowed the speaker. His voice pierced their ears. His words pricked their hearts. And they followed.

It was not just his words, but his works that amazed them. He healed the sick and gave sight to the blind. He made leprosy leave, demons depart and cripples dance.

When he looked at them – people with problems, pain, bad attitudes, bad marriages, secrets too dark to ever share – it was with tenderness. When he reached out to touch their dusty, dirty, broken bodies, it was with love.  And when he spoke to them, he spoke with such compassion.

Those who drove him out of the city were arrogant, spiteful, sinful people. Those who followed him into the wild were also. The difference was all in the choice they made. Those who follow the teacher find forgiveness, compassion, healing and hope.

Oh, and when he spoke, he spoke to you too. 

Family Thought:

Too often we make God out to be the big guy who's going to catch our children if they do something wrong. "God is watching..." And He is, but we need to make sure our kids know God isn't looking to squash them. He wants them to be obedient because He love them, and wants them to love Him.