And he (Jesus) marveled… (Luke 7:9; Mark 6:6, ESV)
This morning’s devotion comes from a lot of something I read last night, a chapter out of the book, Not By Sight, by Jon Bloom. I know this isn’t a place for book recommendations, but if you’re looking for a great read, this should be your next book!
The word, thaumazō, is the Greek word used here for marveled. We see it used only twice in the New Testament (Luke 7 and Mark 6) and both times it describes a reaction Jesus has—the kind of reaction we often think belongs only to exciting golf shots or other athletic feats.
When we put our faith in Christ instead of ourselves, he marvels. Marvels!However, these reactions are quite different, even close to being opposite. In Luke, it is a positive reaction. Jesus marveled at the faith of a Roman Centurion whose servant would be healed by the Great Physician. Jesus even said this to the crowd gathered: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”
In Mark, we see a negative reaction in Jesus’ marveling. “And he marveled because of their unbelief.” What is crazy about this scenario is that Jesus was in his very own hometown, where these long-time acquaintances “took offense at him.”
These two stories present many truths and lessons for us, but here are two things I think would be good for us to focus on today.
First, for those who claim to know Christ, make sure of your salvation. About whose unbelief did Jesus marvel? Those who were close to Jesus and knew him well! If you have grown up in church, around Christian people, or have been taught the truths of the Gospel, make sure your trust, hope, and love is in Christ alone. I love the prayer of the father whose son Jesus healed in Mark: “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
The second lesson we can gather from these two passages is from the faith of the Roman soldier. Christ has come for all people, everywhere! No matter what you’ve done, no matter where you have been, no matter the background you have spring from, you have the opportunity for Jesus to marvel at your faith!
Brothers and sisters, do you really believe this to be true? Did you know that if you are in Christ, claiming him as your Lord and King, then you are his beloved? He loves you as he loves his Son, Jesus, who paid for your sin perfectly and completely. Even through your filth and mine, he decided to save us and call us sons and daughters.
And guess what? He is so proud of you. When we put our faith in Christ instead of ourselves, he marvels. Marvels! This is good news. Now let us go throughout today, this week, the rest of our lives, with this on the forefront of our minds. The marveling Jesus! What a wonderful Savior!
—
Rosson Anderson
March 29, 2017
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