Category: Blog

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 17, 2024

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Why do we fast?

Matthew 6:16-18; 4:1-2

While serving at a church in Fort Myers, FL., as a Youth Minister, my students and I participated in World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine.

As I recall, we participated in the event several times over five years. The 30-Hour Famine is a fundraiser for needy children around the world. The event is packed with many activities and Bible studies, which we did as part of a lock-in. There was one caveat to participating in the Famine: You don’t eat for 30 hours.

My youth always did a great job of fund-raising for the event. But I did have a few moaners when it came to not being able to eat. I must admit, once you got about 20 to 24 hours into the event, your body definitely got sluggish.

I always ended the event with a worship service. All of the students’ parents and congregation members were invited. Immediately after the service, we would ‘Break-Fast.’ I would set it up with the parents to bring casseroles, desserts, etc., for our first meal in 30 hours.

Overall, the 30-Hour Famine was a great event. The students grew in their relationships with each other, learned what it was like to be truly hungry, and raised funds for needy children worldwide.

**********************The Point******************

During His sermon on the mount, Jesus talks explicitly about fasting in Matthew chapter 6.

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Matthew 6:16-18

In the sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives three examples of “acts of righteousness.”

• The first is giving to the poor.

This includes giving them money and help in other ways, such as clothing, medical attention, etc.

• The second is prayer.

In Matthew 6, Jesus gave us an outline of prayer. We call it the Lord’s Prayer.

He also told us to pray in private and not make a big show of it like the religious leaders of the day.

• That being said, praying corporately in church or during a group Bible study is okay.
  • Jesus’ point is that we need alone time to commune with God, praying one-on-one to Him.
• The third is fasting.

Like in prayer and giving to the poor, Jesus is particular in saying not to make a show of it if you fast.

• The religious leaders of Jesus’ day would fast 2 times a week. There’s nothing wrong with doing that.
  • But they habitually walked through the streets while fasting, letting everyone know how much they were suffering. They wanted the people to be impressed.
  • Perhaps it did impress some people, but that kind of seeking of attention never impresses God.

So, I guess the question that is most asked is, why do we fast? During the Christian season of Lent, many people (it’s not mandatory) fast from certain foods or activities. Lent is a remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Not including Saturdays and Sundays) immediately after He was baptized.

As I mentioned earlier, fasting can cause fatigue, hunger, and sometimes even crankiness. But that wasn’t the case for Jesus. He fasted and was strong enough to resist the devil’s temptation several times.

There are some good reasons to fast occasionally; in his book “The Gospel of Matthew,” William Barclay names five.

The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 1 by William Barclay (1958-05-03), Volume one, PP. 229-230

• First: The value of self-discipline

We learn to control our feelings (hunger) and overcome our weakness

• Second: The release from slavery to habit

Fasting is a great way to break a habit. You may eat too much candy. Give up eating for a while. Or, as the saying goes, do anything for 21 days, and you have created a habit.

• Third: The preservation of the ability to do without things

We live in a world of needs and wants. Many of the things we feel are needs are actually wants. “I need those new shoes,” or “I need to drink coffee all day just to keep going.” The coffee example sounds like you’ve developed a bad habit that has evolved into what you think is a need.

• Fourth: The positive value for health

Doctors often tell us we must give up certain foods or activities to improve our health.

(I wonder if fasting from not exercising is a “thing?”) 😊

• Fifth: The enhancement of our appreciation of things

I’m not sure if giving up smoking is fasting, but I do know when I did 43 years ago, my appreciation for the taste of food increased.

In the New Testament, Jesus does not call upon us to fast. But if you do, make it your thing and not everyone else’s.

Dear Lord. There are times in our lives when it is good to fast. It can make us stronger and give us a better appreciation for the things we have. When we do fast, help us not brag or boast about it. Instead, allow us to quietly understand the benefits we receive through our fast. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 16, 2024

Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit

Mark 9: 14-29

We all have ups and downs. The dictionary definition of ups and downs is:

“a succession of both good and bad experiences.”

I’m sure everyone reading this has experienced times in their lives when they were on what we call a high. You just got promoted. The raise you wanted finally comes through. You got straight A’s on your report card or a phone message from the auto-mechanic that says, “It wasn’t anything serious, just a loose wire. There won’t be any charge for the work.”

Every one of those experiences can give us a euphoric feeling. Yet, it always seems we don’t stay on that high very long before something drags us back to reality. Perhaps it’s a phone call that a family member died, your doctor tells you that you need surgery, or you’re driving down the road, and, bam, you get a flat tire.

******************The Point***************

In today’s devotion, Jesus and three of His disciples were coming down a mountain on a spiritual high when the reality of the world met them at the bottom.

Jesus heals a boy of an unclean spirit.

“And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. And immediately, all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So, I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his Father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, ” ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately, the Father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately,

“Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Mark 9:14-29

Jesus had just been transfigured atop Mount Tabor. (Read Mark 9:2-13) He had taken three of His disciples with Him, Peter, John, and Andrew. After what the disciples had seen and heard, they were definitely on a high. But, when they came down the mountain with Jesus, they encountered an argument going on between the scribes and the other nine disciples.

The disciples had failed at ridding a young boy of a demon that had been with him since he was little. Jesus seems slightly annoyed with His disciples when He says, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?”

• Jesus wondered out loud how long it would take for the things He had taught them to sink in.

At this point, Jesus was in His third year of teaching and preaching. He knew His time was limited.

So, at the Father’s request, Jesus heals the young man. The demon even cries out as it leaves the young boy’s body.

To me, the verses in the photo above are the most important of the entire passage.

• I can close my eyes and see the disciples sheepishly taking Jesus aside. Their heads are down and do little more than glance at Him when they say:

“Why couldn’t we drive it (the evil spirit) out?”

• Jesus’ answer seems to be spoken quietly. He’s not angry at the disciples. He wants to get this crucial point across.

“This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Jesus had given the disciples the power to heal and drive out evil spirits when He sent them out (Mark 6:7) into outlying communities. But for some reason, their attempt to rid the boy of the evil Spirit failed.

Remember, the disciples were not Jesus. When Jesus told a spirit to leave, it trembled at His very presence and had no choice but to listen to the Son of God.

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus praying before healing and performing a miracle (e.g., feeding the 5000). The disciples were missing this in this instance. When the evil spirit wouldn’t come out of the boy, they should have called on the Father for help in prayer.

Call on the Father for help in prayer. Calling on Jesus for help in prayer. Calling on the Holy Spirit for help in prayer.

So often, we miss it too, don’t we?

We have a problem that seems unsolvable. We’ve tried every way humanly possible to solve it, and we’ve failed miserably.

But we forgot one thing.

We didn’t call upon the one who can do things that are not humanly possible.

The one who can heal the sick and raise people from the dead.

The one who helps to keep our faith strong and to stay on God’s desired path.

We fail to pray to the one true Triune God. God waits for us to call on Him. He listens when we do and answers in His time, not ours. And He answers in a way that He knows is best for us, not what we think is best for us.

Instead of driving yourself crazy trying to solve everything yourself, why not lead with prayer? Then, be still and wait for God’s answer. He will answer.

Dear Jesus. So often in our lives, we try and solve our problems ourselves. We usually allow you to be an afterthought, not our primary comfort and resolution source. Help us call upon you as often as we need your help, direction, love, and gentle guiding hand in all that we do. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 15, 2024

Jesus heals a man born blind

John 9:1-12; Genesis 3:9-13

It’s all your fault!

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found it amusing how often we play the ‘blame game’ throughout our lives.

When we’re kids, we blame our sibling or a neighbor kid for something we did so we don’t get in trouble. “I didn’t leave the bicycle in the driveway. Dad, Johnny did it.”

As we age, we continue to blame someone else for a problem. We’ll blame a colleague for something we did at work or perhaps for which we were both responsible. Even family members are fair game. “Why did you hit your brother?” “Well, he hit me first.”

**********************The Point********************

The blame game goes all the way back to Genesis in the Bible:

“But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Genesis 3:9-13

As you can read above, even Adam and Eve played the blame game. Unfortunately for them, they played the game with God.

Today’s devotion includes a miracle as well. It also asks the question, “Who’s to blame?”

“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So, he went and washed and came back seeing.

The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” So, they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So, I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

John 9:1-12

These verses seem to be about a blind man, why he was blind, and disbelief that he was healed. But there’s more to it than that; let’s break it down:

• “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

For some reason, the disciples believed this man was blind because of sin. They asked Jesus who was to blame.

Although our actions have consequences, that doesn’t mean because you get a cold, break a leg, or get cancer, it’s because of something you did wrong.

Jesus responds explicitly to His disciples, telling them that the man was not blind because of sin.

•  “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 

Right now is our day. While we are alive, it’s our job to do the work of Christ in this world. One day, night (death) will come for us, and we will no longer be able to serve in this way.

While Jesus was in the world, He was the light (He still is) for people to turn to for salvation, help, and eternal life. Jesus has left us responsible for continuing His work and spreading the Good News of the Gospel while we are on this earth.

Here’s my favorite part of this passage: After Jesus heals the blind man, people don’t believe it’s the same man. Some of his friends then ask him where this Jesus is. His reply speaks volumes: “I don’t know.”

• I don’t know your background, but mine was in supermarket retail and later church work. I’m not the same person I was 30-40 years ago. I’m not talking about how I look or how strong I am. I’m not the same guy.

I’ve grown; I’ve become a new person in Christ

35 years ago, I couldn’t even imagine writing these words down, yet I am.

• I’m no better than anyone who is reading this devotion. Just remember this: when you have Jesus in your heart, and you have faith in Him, you are a different person, and people will notice.
• The blind man’s friends didn’t believe it was him because he could see. He was a changed man. No, he could walk down the street with authority, not bumping into people.
• Unfortunately, it seems there may have been one thing missing.
• They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”This may have been a literal statement. The man genuinely didn’t know where Jesus was at the time. Or, was it a lack of faith, and he had no understanding or idea who Jesus was or what He had done for him?

Do you know where Jesus is? He is in His Work, He is in your prayers and devotions, and He is in your heart. Most importantly, Jesus is with you and me always.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for opening our eyes when we are blind. So many times in our lives, we are blind to what You are doing. Then, your Holy Spirit opens our eyes. Then, we can see the purpose of what is happening in our lives and what you want us to do. Thank you for always being with us. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 14, 2024

Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida

Mark 8:22-30

About 20 years ago, I had cataract surgery on both of my eyes. Until then, I had no idea I lived in a darkish-yellow world. When the bandage came off from the first surgery, my wife, Kathy, asked me if I noticed a difference. I told her everything was white and bright; it was amazing.

Unfortunately, about two weeks after the second eye surgery, I woke up one morning with a shadow in my right eye, like a grey half-moon. I let it go for a few days but finally called the surgeon who had done my cataract surgery. The nurse who answered the phone told me to come to the office immediately.

After the doctor checked out my eye, he asked me the strangest question, “When was the last time you ate?” I told him about 3 hours earlier, and he said, “Good, because you’re having surgery in about three hours; you have a torn retina.”

I found out later that this happens in about one of every 10,000 people who have cataract surgery. Lucky me. If I had waited a few more days, the doctor also told me I might have had irreversible damage, if not total blindness, in that eye.

*********************The Point********************

Today’s devotion is another miracle of Jesus healing a blind man. This healing is a bit different as it’s a two-step process.

“And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again, and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.”

Mark 8:22-30

It’s not clear from this passage that the blind man had faith. Almost certainly, though, those who brought him to Jesus believed Jesus to be a healer at the very least.

At first read, it seems Jesus couldn’t perform this miracle on the first try. But there’s more to this healing than that.

• After Jesus spit on the man’s eye, he could see blurry figures that looked like trees moving around.

Obviously, this man wasn’t born blind, or he wouldn’t know what a tree looked like.

• It’s almost like Jesus wanted this to be a two-step process. The first time Jesus touched his eyes, the man could see partially.

Jesus wanted this to sink in, “Do you see anything?” 

The blind man had partially recovered from his blindness. Mark doesn’t say it, but he would have been excited. He probably thought, “This Jesus, He’s the real thing, I can already see better.”

• Then Jesus touched his eyes again, and the man was healed, able to see clearly.
• Jesus then tells the now-seeing man not to enter the village again. Jesus wanted this man to go home and be with his family. This was a big deal and a cause for celebration.

The last part of this passage isn’t a miracle, as much as we see eyes being opened like the blind man.

Jesus and His disciples are far from where he healed the blind man. Even though this conversation may not have occurred on the same day, Mark chose to attach it to the miracle. Here’s why:

• Jesus is walking with His disciples and asks, “Who do people say that I am?” 

The disciples reply that some say He’s John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others say one of the prophets.

At this point, I can almost see Jesus stopping and looking each of His disciples in the eye as He asks the next question.

• Let’s hold there for a moment.
• These men had been following Jesus for quite a while, and even they had reservations about who He was.
• In the short time Jesus had been teaching them, they had observed one miracle after another.
• When the question came, they would have discussed these things with each other and finally came to this realization when Jesus said:
• “But who do you say that I am?”
• And Peter, being the leader of the group, answered for them.

“You are the Christ.”

Bam! They got it. The disciple’s eyes, like the blind man’s, had been opened. After numerous miracles and repeatedly being taught about God’s Kingdom, they finally saw what was in front of them. Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world, promised by God and foretold by the prophets.

Today, it is our responsibility. We are to bring God’s word to the world and emulate His Son, Jesus, in all we do. In this way, everyone’s eyes will someday be open to Salvation.

Dear Jesus. Just like you opened the eyes of the blind and those of the disciples, you have opened our eyes, hearts, and minds to you. We genuinely believe that you are the Savior of the world. Thank you for bringing your Father’s love to us through your sacrifice on the cross. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 13, 2024

Jesus feeds 4000, plus women and children

Matthew 14:29-39; Isaiah 3:4-6

Over my 25 years in ministry, I attended many mass events. The biggest event I ever participated in was the National Youth Gatherings, which our church body, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, puts on every three years.

I attended my first gathering in 1995. Above, you can see a photo from the last conference I attended in 2016. The gathering usually had an attendance of anywhere from 25,000 to 32,000 high school students and adults.

On our last evening, before the end of the gathering, we would end with an entire worship service, including partaking in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. To this day, it still amazes me how organized communion was. Generally, all attendees would be communed within about 45 minutes. It was quite a sight to see, and it was an uplifting experience. Imagine receiving communion with 30,000 people at the same event. We were communing with God, as well as communing with each other.

************************The Point*********************

Today’s devotion seems to bring us back to a previous miracle of Jesus, but there are some subtle differences.

“Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.”

Matthew 14:29-39

As I said, this miracle seems familiar, doesn’t it? It reminds us of the feeding of the 5000. Let’s look at the similarities and differences:

• This time, there were seven small loaves of bread and an undetermined amount of fish.
• Jesus does have the people sit down as He did before.
• Jesus said a prayer as He always does
• This time, the disciples distributed the food, not Jesus
• Once again, plenty of food for everyone, with leftovers
• On this occasion, the disciples collected seven baskets of leftover food
• Finally, in this case, Jesus sent the crowd away immediately

The feeding of 4000 people is a big deal. But there’s more to this miracle because many more miracles were done before the feeding.

“Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.”

Matthew 14:21-31

It’s easy to get caught up in the miracle of feeding 4000 men plus women and children and look past the three verses earlier.

The crowd brought the lame, the blind, the disabled, the mute, and many others. And what did Jesus do? He healed them ALL!

Now, remember this was Gentile territory; most of these people were not Jews. But they believed that Jesus could heal (faith), and He did just that. And “They glorified the God of Israel.”

This crowd of people, including people healed, recognized that this healing came from the one True God.

Where I attended mass communions of word and sacrament at the Gatherings, Jesus was in communion (a close relationship with someone in which feelings and thoughts are exchanged) with these people.

When Matthew conveys this story to us and uses the words he does, it’s for a purpose. Matthew is telling us that Jesus is the Messiah and is fulfilling scripture:

“Say to those who have an anxious heart,

“Be strong; fear not!

Behold, your God

will come with vengeance,

with the recompense of God.

He will come and save you.”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then shall the lame man leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.”

Isaiah 3:4-6

In this series of miracles, Jesus fulfilled the scriptures. He showed the people and the world that He is the one true Son of God. Jesus was sent to do everything He did, with His ultimate accomplishment being dying on the cross for our sins.

Dear Jesus. You are the one true savior of the world. Thank you for the many miracles you performed for so many people while you were on earth. We believe you still perform miracles every day as answers to our petitions. Thank you for your love and sacrifice. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 12, 2024

Jesus heals a deaf and mute man

Mark 7:31-37

About 24 years ago, I was in a bowling league while serving as a youth minister at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lake Worth, FL. The Wednesday night league consisted of about 24 teams. The team I was on was made up of church members and staff.

The first night of bowling, I noticed that the team several lanes over from ours was signing. I asked one of my team members about it, and they said the entire team was deaf. I thought it was interesting, as I watched the team talk to each other throughout the year using sign language.

Not being able to hear didn’t hold anyone on the team back from performing well.

*******************The Point****************

In the Gospel of Mark 7:31-37, we read the story of Jesus healing a deaf and mute man.

“Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears and, after spitting, touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened. And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Mark 7:31-37

This is the second time we find Jesus in the Decapolis region (The ten cities). The last time He was there, Jesus drove a “legion” of demons from a man; the demons entered a herd of pigs, which then ran into the lake and drowned.

Now, Jesus and His disciples have returned. The word must have gotten out about His miracles because a deaf/mute man was brought to Jesus to be healed. Let’s look at some crucial points in this story.

• Jesus was in the region of the Decapolis; He was there spreading the Word of God.
• When He was last in the area, people asked Him to leave. On this trip, people were seeking Jesus out for His help.

• This is the second time in Mark’s Gospel we see Jesus using His native Aramaic for healing. Jesus said, “And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.
  • The first time we heard Jesus use His native tongue was when He brought Jairus’ daughter back to life. “Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” 
  • When Jesus was looking up to heaven and sighed, He wasn’t saying, “Okay, I’ll heal another one.” Instead, He let the man see that his healing was not coming from a man but from God.

Once again, Jesus commanded the people not to tell anyone who had healed the man. Jesus still had things to do and didn’t need the Jewish religious leaders breathing down His neck.

Interestingly, Jesus’ command for people not to tell anyone about Him no longer applies today. Instead, today, we are told to spread the word:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-19

Dear Jesus, we know You want us to go into the world and tell everyone about the Good News. Please help us to be good disciples as we go, learn and serve you. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 11, 2024

Jesus heals a gentile woman’s demon-possessed daughter

Matthew 15:21-28; 7:7-8

For many (including myself), this Bible story is challenging to read, as it seems to portray Jesus in a bad light. Let’s read it now and then take a moment to think about it.

Jesus heals a gentile woman’s demon-possessed daughter.

“And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”  Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.’

Matthew 15:21-28

There is a bit of a tense scene between this Gentile woman and Jesus, isn’t there? Let’s try to sort it out.

• There’s something familiar about this encounter, isn’t there?
• Remember the Centurion?

He acknowledged who Jesus was

He had great faith

He felt unworthy of having Jesus come to his home to heal his servant.

• In this case, a gentile woman who lives in a land of unbelievers believes Jesus is the Messiah.
•  “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David

This woman knew who Jesus was and addressed Him as such.

• But Jesus says the strangest thing. To many, His following remark comes across as derogatory.

“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

This is true; Jesus was sent by His Father to redeem the Jews. This was His priority.

But at the same time, Jesus was sent for everyone. And He showed that by healing and conversing with anyone, Gentile and Jew alike.

• Again, the woman begs for her daughter to be healed. “Lord, help me.”

• And, once again, Jesus seems to put her off and even belittle her.

“It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 

It’s accurate that in those days, Jews treated Gentiles, let’s say, disrespectfully. They even called them dogs.

In this case, Jesus was not calling her a street dog or anything. In Greek, Jesus’ reference to dogs means a pet or a lapdog a child would have.

If you’ve ever had a dog, the ensuing line will hit home with you.

She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 

The woman knew exactly what Jesus was saying. She understood that Jesus had priorities that had to be met. And He awaited her reaction.

As I said, anyone with a dog knows that the dog eats whatever hits the floor. We also know that on many occasions, we actually give the dog food from our plate.

This is what she was asking for. Or, as the saying goes, “Come on, throw me a bone.”

Like the Centurion, Jesus saw this woman’s great faith and answered her pleas with her daughter’s healing. And like the healing of the Centurion’s servant, Jesus never even went to her home.

This Gentile woman did precisely what Jesus calls on us to do daily when we have a request.

The woman went to Jesus over and over again. She asked Jesus, and she did seek Him out. Then the woman knocked on the door with everything she had.

You and I can do the same thing every day.

Seek the Lord, for He is good. He listens, and he responds.

Dear Jesus. Keep our faith resilient, and encourage us to ask, seek and knock. We know you’re there, we know you listen, and we patiently wait for your answers. Amen

The Miracles of Jesus

March 10, 2024

Fourth Sunday in Lent

John 3:14-21; Numbers 21:5-9

“God so loved the world.”

I’ve never been a lover of snakes. On the other hand, my grandson Keegan likes snakes and is working towards breeding them to sell.

Whenever I think of snakes, I think of the first Indiana Jones movie. In “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Jones encounters a snake, a boa, in his friend’s plane. “I Hate Snakes,” Indiana Jones said. Later in the movie, he falls into an underground cavern with thousands of snakes. Of course, when he did fall in the cavern, he also located the Ark of the Covenant. 😊

***********************The Point**************************

In today’s devotion, we encounter a very familiar passage, John 3:16. What most skip over are the two verses before that.

Let’s take a moment and read the passages from John 3 as Jesus speaks with Nicodemus.  

  “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

John 3:14-21

The serpent Jesus refers to is a direct reference to the book of Numbers:

“And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord that he takes away the serpents from us.” So, Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten when he sees it shall live.” So, Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.”

Numbers 21:5-9

• The book of Numbers says that the people spoke against God and Moses. One would think that this was not grumbling once in a while. The people became quite outspoken, and their faith in God and His prophet Moses became weak.
• The rest of the story is pretty straightforward. God got mad, sent poisonous snakes into the camp, and a lot of Israelites died.
• Suddenly, they realized they had messed up. The Israelites knew they needed God’s help and Moses’ leadership.

How often does the same thing happen in our own lives? We get impatient waiting for God to answer our prayers, so we complain, grumble, and sometimes even turn away from God.

But one cool thing about God is that when we ask for His help and forgiveness, He acknowledges us and gives it to us.

• So, God instructs Moses to set a bronze serpent on a pole. If anyone got bitten by a snake, all they had to do was look at the bronze serpent, and they would live.

Let’s look at Jesus’ analogy to the bronze serpent again.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

Think about what Jesus is saying here.

• The snake was lifted up on a pole
• Jesus was lifted up on a cross
• Everyone who looked at the snake and believed it would heal them was healed.

The keyword is faith. The snake didn’t heal the people; God’s grace and the people’s faith healed them.

• Everyone who looks at Jesus in faith is saved.

In this case, we are saved from our sins.

We are saved from eternal death because of our faith and what Jesus did for us. Now, we will enjoy life everlasting.

Yes, God so loved the world that He sent His only Son. And remember, God sent Jesus for one reason, to save us. Sure, he taught us, healed the sick, raised the dead, and showed love and empathy to all. But, ultimately, Jesus came to save. Not just you and me, but through faith in Jesus, everyone can be saved.

Dear Jesus. We know you came to earth for one reason, to save us. Thank you for your sacrificial love, which, combined with our faith, has freed us from eternal damnation and opened the gate of eternity for us. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 9, 2024

Jesus heals many as they touch His garment

Mark 6:53-56

I’ve always found it humorous how people treat celebrities. When many people see famous stars, they get all excited. They want to meet them, shake their hand, touch their hair, or get an autograph.

When I was about twelve years old, The Beatles were very popular in the United States. I can remember going to the movie theater with some buddies of mine to see their movie, “A Hard Day’s Night.”

The movie theater was packed; everyone was screaming, especially the young ladies. Every time one of the Beatles would open their mouth to speak, especially Paul, the screaming would become so loud you couldn’t hear what they were saying on the screen.

The young ladies in the theater would call out Paul’s name and reach out to the movie screen, trying to touch him.

About 28 years ago, my wife Kathy and I were having dinner at an expensive restaurant, The Yachtsman Steakhouse, at Walt Disney World. The weekend we were at Disney, they hosted a Pass, Throw, and Kick contest, and there were all sorts of NFL stars there.

At the time, I seldom watched NFL games. I generally only watched college games, except for the Miami Dolphins. Our waiter mentioned to Kathy and me that Dan Marino (Dolphins quarterback) had a dinner reservation in about 30 minutes and even pointed out where he’d be seated. I thought that was pretty cool; maybe I’d get a chance to get an autograph or, at the very least, say Hi!

Kathy and I were having a glass of wine at our table before dinner. About that time, a group of about eight people got up from a round table about 12 feet from ours. I looked up as they passed by when one of the men touched my shoulder and said, “How ya doing?” I said something like, “Great,” and he was gone. I had no idea who he was. Our waiter returned to our table and said, “You know who that was, don’t you?” I told him that I did not. He looked at me in amazement and said, “That was Brett Favre!” (Now retired quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.)

So that night at dinner, Brett Favre touched my shoulder and said Hi! It was pretty cool once I knew who he was 😊.

**********************The Point*******************

Today’s devotion is about touching, but these touches were more than a greeting. The passages below tell it all.

“When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.”

Mark 6:53-56

Although this is a short passage about Jesus performing miracles, there are several points to think about.

• These miracles of Jesus healing people came immediately after Jesus had walked on water. Once again, the word got out to the community that Jesus was in the area, and people flocked to Him for healing.

• “They laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.”
  • Although he allowed people to be healed by touching the fringe of His garment, the cape was not the source of healing power. Jesus’ divine power did the healing.
  • This passage triggers a memory of the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. She was healed because of her faith. These people, too, were restored to health in much the same way. They believed that Jesus could cure them of their ailments.
    • Most of the villagers did not understand yet that Jesus was the Messiah.
• This passage again shows us that Jesus is more than a prophet and healer. He is the Son of God.

There is an unspoken point in the passage. Wherever Jesus traveled, He didn’t only heal people physically. He always preached the Word of God, too. Healing a person’s ailment is caring for a physical need, Preaching the Word, and believing in Him as the Messiah fills a spiritual need.

Jesus continues to amaze us with His love and compassion for others, then and now.

Dear Jesus. You are the great physician. We believe you can cure our physical ailments if it is part of your plan to do so. More importantly, we believe that Your Word, Your Son’s sacrifice, and our faith fulfill our spiritual needs. Thank you. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – March 8, 2024

Jesus walks on water

Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:50; John 6:21

When I was much younger, one of my favorite movies was “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”

In the original 1947 edition, Walter, played by comedian Danny Kaye, was a clumsy guy who daydreamed a lot. He also had the uncanny ability to tune out the real world by tugging on his ear. (One might say that Walter lost his focus on what was going on around him) Then Walter would proceed to fantasize about being a hero, singer, or dancer.

*******************The Point******************

Let’s look at Matthew’s account of Jesus walking on water. Here, we find Peter losing his focus.

“Immediately, he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So, Peter got out, walked on the water, and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink; he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:22-33

The Gospels of Mark and John add two important points.

“For they all saw him and were terrified.” Mark 6:50

“Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” John 6:21

You’ve just read the passages, so I don’t want to reiterate every word. Instead, let’s take a look at some essential points of the Bible passages.

• We see that Jesus once again left the crowds of people and took time alone to be in prayer.

This is something we should do every day. Take time to be alone with God in prayer.

• Here we go again! The Apostles are halfway across the lake, and a big storm comes up. Only this time, Jesus isn’t with them. Instead, He walks across the water to them.

This means Jesus walked about 3 ½ miles to them on the water

In all three Gospels, the men in the boat think they are seeing a ghost.

Only in Mark’s Gospel does it state that “For they all saw him and were terrified.”

This seems to verify this was no trick, no hoax; they all saw the same thing.

• Matthew’s Gospel is the only one that tells us of Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water to Jesus. Here’s what happened.

First, Peter asks permission of Jesus to get out of the boat and walk to Him.

This tells us that Peter believed it was Jesus, and He believed that Jesus could make this happen.

Peter is doing fine walking on water toward Jesus. But then something happens.

• Peter loses his focus on Jesus. At first, Peter had shut out the world. But now, he sees the wind, waves, and dark clouds around him.
• Because Peter let the world in and lost his focus on Jesus, his faith that Jesus could sustain his ability to walk on water left him. What happened?
• He began to sink and cried out for Jesus to help him. And Jesus did just that; He reached out and pulled Peter out of the water.
• Jesus did one more thing. He reprimanded Peter. “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Peter’s faith got weak. Truth be told, so does ours. Often in our lives, we are caught in a life-changing storm, and we struggle to stay afloat. It could be finances, a job, a relationship, or a health problem. We try to handle the storm in our lives, but generally, that doesn’t work.

Instead, we should focus entirely on Jesus. On His healing powers, His ability to calm any storm, on the water, or in our lives. How many times have you lost focus on Jesus and tried to fix things yourself, to only fail? Then what happens? We yell to God, saying, “Lord, save me.” Keep your focus on Jesus; go to Him before the storm becomes overwhelming. He’s there for you and me.

There is one last item and one more miracle. Perhaps you didn’t notice, but this story has two miracles. Take another look at what John says in his Gospel.

Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately, the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6:21

Timeline and distance check! The miracle of Jesus walking on water happened while the disciples were in the middle of the lake, about 3 ½ miles from shore. Jesus gets in the boat, and “Immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”

No transporter beam, no time tunnel, and no time stone (I had to get a Marvel mention in.) The boat was at the shore in the blink of an eye. Jesus is never done performing miracles in our lives. We just have to pay attention.

Dear Jesus. Please help us maintain a strong faith by focusing on you. We see miracles in our lives and around us all of the time. Thank you for continuing to be the miracle worker you are, our Lord and Savior. Amen