"Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, 'Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?' " - John 6:1-5
Jesus actually knows the answer to the question he poses to Philip - in John 6:6, John remarks "He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do.". So why ask Philip a rhetorical question? I imagine it's because, despite the apostle's commitment to Jesus, they still have a lot to learn about who Jesus really is. They've been spreading his message for quite some time, have witnessed his countless miracles, but still don't quite understand what it means to be the Son of God. Once again, Jesus will show them another facet of that title.
I sometimes wonder if Jesus ever lost patience with his followers, constantly showing them that he can do anything. It must have been hard reminding them of that fact - and it seems silly to us now, since we know the whole story.
But the apostles were living in the moment. Healing the sick, feeding large crowds and bringing the dead back to life were all great miracles in themselves, and was hard for anyone to understand that someone could do those things - especially all of them!
As in this story, Jesus keeps reminding them that they "ain't seen nothin yet"...
...and it'll take the ultimate sacrifice to bring home everything he's been teaching to them.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Never Alone
"So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. " - Mark 6:32-33
As I write this, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Las Vegas, and have just finished attending a conference in my field. And if you've ever been to Las Vegas, you'll remember the constant onslaught against your senses - hot, dry weather, loud music, scores of people, the smell of food and the intensely bright, flashing lights. I was remarking to a former colleague of mine that I need to go hide in my hotel room for awhile, just to relax and get away from the busyness that is Las Vegas.
And while Jerusalem at the beginning of the first millennium wasn't quite the same, I'm sure the apostles were feeling quite overwhelmed. Yes, they had been doing this for a while (by themselves), but I get the sense that the number of people coming to see them now is much more than what they had been dealing with at the start. After all, people didn't know who Jesus was, what he's done or what his message is. But once word started going around, the number of people who wanted to see him and the apostles no doubt grew exponentially.
So after their long trip, some alone time might have been nice. The people following them (and later, running ahead of them!) had other plans...
But the apostles have something now that they didn't during their mission - Jesus himself. And they must have taken comfort and strength in knowing that Jesus was there, would take point, and relieve their burden a bit. It's a luxury that they have now, and probably missed greatly after his ascension.
So while the crowds swelled, while the demands grew, the team of apostles lead by Jesus were ready to go, to preach, and share the awesome message of love and hope.
And it's the same message we hear today.
As I write this, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Las Vegas, and have just finished attending a conference in my field. And if you've ever been to Las Vegas, you'll remember the constant onslaught against your senses - hot, dry weather, loud music, scores of people, the smell of food and the intensely bright, flashing lights. I was remarking to a former colleague of mine that I need to go hide in my hotel room for awhile, just to relax and get away from the busyness that is Las Vegas.
And while Jerusalem at the beginning of the first millennium wasn't quite the same, I'm sure the apostles were feeling quite overwhelmed. Yes, they had been doing this for a while (by themselves), but I get the sense that the number of people coming to see them now is much more than what they had been dealing with at the start. After all, people didn't know who Jesus was, what he's done or what his message is. But once word started going around, the number of people who wanted to see him and the apostles no doubt grew exponentially.
So after their long trip, some alone time might have been nice. The people following them (and later, running ahead of them!) had other plans...
But the apostles have something now that they didn't during their mission - Jesus himself. And they must have taken comfort and strength in knowing that Jesus was there, would take point, and relieve their burden a bit. It's a luxury that they have now, and probably missed greatly after his ascension.
So while the crowds swelled, while the demands grew, the team of apostles lead by Jesus were ready to go, to preach, and share the awesome message of love and hope.
And it's the same message we hear today.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
No Rest
"The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.' People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat." - Mark 6:30-31
The apostles are finally back from teaching. And Jesus, realizing how tired they must feel, tells them to go take a break. However, the people around them had other plans - their message about Jesus has spread, and many are taking notice and want to know more about this man. They have folks who are sick, who have been shunned by society, who have lost hope, and are looking for a bright light to lead them on. Who better than Jesus and his apostles?
As hard as it must have been, the apostles were no doubt ready. Mark subtly notes the transition Jesus's closest followers made by switching up the title - no longer disciples, they're apostles, or the twelve who were sent forth. In much of Christianity, the term "Apostle" is used after Pentecost, but Mark is noting the change because they've come back from their mission. They've delivered Jesus's message, and demonstrated their commitment to him by doing so. Of course, one Apostle gives up this commitment near the end of Jesus's life, but for now they're one consistent group of guys, spreading the Good News and amplifying Jesus's voice across the country.
So while they're tired, they're also ready to keep going - they have the confidence, the power and the knowledge to spread Jesus's message, and will continue to do so across many generations of Christians - all the way to us.
The apostles are finally back from teaching. And Jesus, realizing how tired they must feel, tells them to go take a break. However, the people around them had other plans - their message about Jesus has spread, and many are taking notice and want to know more about this man. They have folks who are sick, who have been shunned by society, who have lost hope, and are looking for a bright light to lead them on. Who better than Jesus and his apostles?
As hard as it must have been, the apostles were no doubt ready. Mark subtly notes the transition Jesus's closest followers made by switching up the title - no longer disciples, they're apostles, or the twelve who were sent forth. In much of Christianity, the term "Apostle" is used after Pentecost, but Mark is noting the change because they've come back from their mission. They've delivered Jesus's message, and demonstrated their commitment to him by doing so. Of course, one Apostle gives up this commitment near the end of Jesus's life, but for now they're one consistent group of guys, spreading the Good News and amplifying Jesus's voice across the country.
So while they're tired, they're also ready to keep going - they have the confidence, the power and the knowledge to spread Jesus's message, and will continue to do so across many generations of Christians - all the way to us.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Support
"He said to them, 'Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.' " - Mark 6:10-11
If you didn't know any better, you'd think Jesus was sending them out after the resurrection. After all, it sounds like the disciples are about to head out and start teaching, as they did in Acts. But the difference here is in the message, and what Jesus has taught them up to this point. It's kind of like student-teaching - the students (disciples) are heading out to start spreading the message, but yet their teacher (Jesus) still has much to say and show them. They'll be back, after which Jesus will continue to teach them, help them understand who he is, and ultimately bring them to a very deep place of belief after his death and resurrection.
But for now, they're trying this whole thing out, knowing they're going to come back. And it's a good reminder for us that, despite their early committment here, they will falter. They will fail, and fall down with their belief - but yet Jesus stays committed to them, as he does with us. It's reassuring to know that even the disciples, who were with Jesus, had troubles some days. But as long as you come back, you'll be ok.
What a different experience they'll be sharing in just a short while...
If you didn't know any better, you'd think Jesus was sending them out after the resurrection. After all, it sounds like the disciples are about to head out and start teaching, as they did in Acts. But the difference here is in the message, and what Jesus has taught them up to this point. It's kind of like student-teaching - the students (disciples) are heading out to start spreading the message, but yet their teacher (Jesus) still has much to say and show them. They'll be back, after which Jesus will continue to teach them, help them understand who he is, and ultimately bring them to a very deep place of belief after his death and resurrection.
But for now, they're trying this whole thing out, knowing they're going to come back. And it's a good reminder for us that, despite their early committment here, they will falter. They will fail, and fall down with their belief - but yet Jesus stays committed to them, as he does with us. It's reassuring to know that even the disciples, who were with Jesus, had troubles some days. But as long as you come back, you'll be ok.
What a different experience they'll be sharing in just a short while...
Monday, July 16, 2012
Not a Vacation
"He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. " - Mark 6:7-8
First off, thanks to our guest blogger for filling in during my absence. Her insight and wisdom were wonderful, and I hope you enjoyed her posts as much as I did.
As noted in prior posts, my family and I spent the last week vacationing. Unfortunately, my wife was out of action with a pretty bad cold, and so I did the majority of the planning and packing - something I hadn't really done before, and something I hope to never have to do by myself in the future!
But all this packing gave me a sense as to how much it takes to keep our family of 5 going for a week. And after reading the first two verses from this week's Gospel, I feel a bit like I overpacked. Jesus sends his disciples out, two by two, with nothing but a walking stick. Nothing to eat, no cash to buy something to eat, no portable DVD players, no fishing rods. But he assures them that they'll be fine.
If I were a disciple, I'd be quite nervous. Not only is this the first time I'd be going at it alone, I won't have any of the comforts of home along. But I think that was part of Jesus's reasoning behind sending them out this way - that it'd be easier for them to fully commit, because they have less holding them back, less distraction, and fewer reminders of what they're leaving behind.
Thankfully, they all came back - stronger, committed, and full of the Holy Spirit - and because of that, our faith carries on to this day.
First off, thanks to our guest blogger for filling in during my absence. Her insight and wisdom were wonderful, and I hope you enjoyed her posts as much as I did.
As noted in prior posts, my family and I spent the last week vacationing. Unfortunately, my wife was out of action with a pretty bad cold, and so I did the majority of the planning and packing - something I hadn't really done before, and something I hope to never have to do by myself in the future!
But all this packing gave me a sense as to how much it takes to keep our family of 5 going for a week. And after reading the first two verses from this week's Gospel, I feel a bit like I overpacked. Jesus sends his disciples out, two by two, with nothing but a walking stick. Nothing to eat, no cash to buy something to eat, no portable DVD players, no fishing rods. But he assures them that they'll be fine.
If I were a disciple, I'd be quite nervous. Not only is this the first time I'd be going at it alone, I won't have any of the comforts of home along. But I think that was part of Jesus's reasoning behind sending them out this way - that it'd be easier for them to fully commit, because they have less holding them back, less distraction, and fewer reminders of what they're leaving behind.
Thankfully, they all came back - stronger, committed, and full of the Holy Spirit - and because of that, our faith carries on to this day.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Flexibility
This is the second of two guest posts whilst tehmayor is on vacation.
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"He departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples....And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.' So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith." -- Mark 6:1, 3-6
Be flexible, be thoughtful, be faithful. Jesus' power to perform mighty deeds is limited when we don't have faith.
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"He departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples....And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.' So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith." -- Mark 6:1, 3-6
Jesus returns to Nazareth with His friends and disciples beside him, ready to continue his work, but when he shows up at the sanctuary on the sabbath to teach, the townspeople aren't particularly receptive. Jesus has been traveling around and teaching all kinds of people, so it's easy to see how he might have expected a more positive reception in his hometown than he ultimately received. Aren't these the people who watched him grow up, learning carpentry at his earthly father's hands? Shouldn't they have been the people supporting him, welcoming him home, wanting to know what He's been up to and what He has to teach them?
Instead, that same familiarity bred contempt in the Nazareans. Instead of interest and support, Jesus encounters skepticism and doubt. "Isn't this just Joseph and Mary's son, who we've known since he was a baby?" they scoff. "Who does he think he is, to be coming here with his 'mighty' deeds and wisdom, telling us how to live?"
Maybe Jesus should have expected that the people who had known him all his life would be the least likely -- least able -- to see him for who he truly is, the son of God. They think they know him, that they know his family -- and they think that what he's been doing and saying isn't appropriate, worthwhile, or even, maybe, true. They don't believe.
But since Jesus was human, maybe he didn't even consider that his hometown folks would respond this way to his teaching until it was staring him in the face. Mark says Jesus was "amazed at their lack of faith" -- which certainly suggests that he didn't expect this negativity.
When your family members, friends, or neighbors talk...do you keep an open mind and truly listen?
When your children, younger siblings, or nieces and nephews grow up and form their own thoughts and opinions about the world, can you make the shift from thinking of them as kids still following the family's path and acknowledge that they may have different views from yours? When they talk to you about their views and beliefs, do you listen with your mind and heart -- and does your response differ if their views aren't the same as yours anymore?
Just think of how much the Nazareans missed out on. A handful of sick people were healed, yes, but while that's certainly nothing to sneeze at, Jesus had so much more to give them -- but they weren't interested. He could do little for those who lacked faith.
But since Jesus was human, maybe he didn't even consider that his hometown folks would respond this way to his teaching until it was staring him in the face. Mark says Jesus was "amazed at their lack of faith" -- which certainly suggests that he didn't expect this negativity.
When your family members, friends, or neighbors talk...do you keep an open mind and truly listen?
When your children, younger siblings, or nieces and nephews grow up and form their own thoughts and opinions about the world, can you make the shift from thinking of them as kids still following the family's path and acknowledge that they may have different views from yours? When they talk to you about their views and beliefs, do you listen with your mind and heart -- and does your response differ if their views aren't the same as yours anymore?
Just think of how much the Nazareans missed out on. A handful of sick people were healed, yes, but while that's certainly nothing to sneeze at, Jesus had so much more to give them -- but they weren't interested. He could do little for those who lacked faith.
Be flexible, be thoughtful, be faithful. Jesus' power to perform mighty deeds is limited when we don't have faith.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Weakness + strength
This is the first of two guest posts whilst tehmayor is on vacation.
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"I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." -- II Corinthians 12:9-10
First off, a disclaimer: I don't pretend to the depth of research and thoughtfulness that tehmayor shows in post after post, so I'll be exploring more of what these passages say to me personally.
As I read and re-read Paul's words about weakness and strength, it brought to mind a cultural convention that many of us -- me included -- frequently indulge in. "I look so fat in this." "I'm not very good at [something you're actually pretty good at]." "I'm sure I failed that exam." On the surface, these self-deprecating comments resemble Paul's -- aren't we boasting of our weaknesses when we do this? But most of the time, comments like this have the goal -- whether overtly or subtly -- of compelling the hearer to protest. "No, you look great in that dress!" "No, you sounded great!" "Whatever, you always say that and you always ace the exams!" Sometimes these looked-for responses are accompanied by eye-rolling, especially when they're really egregious in their attention-seeking. We know you know you didn't fail that test. We know you're a great singer. We know you're smart. Why are you forcing us to make sincere, though not voluntary, affirmations?
Do we really think so little of ourselves, or focus so much on our negatives, that the automatic (but not necessarily heartfelt) contradictions of those around us are necessary? And are these non-spontaneous affirmations even affirming, really? I can't tell you why I do it. It's a combination of reasons, I'm sure, not least of which is that it's normal and accepted practice. Most of us do this as a matter of course in our daily lives.
But I'm getting away from the core of what Paul is talking about. In the preceding verses, he tells us that he's worried that if he gets too elated because of the revelations he's experienced, God might get after him or humiliate him. Isn't that a lot like what we are taught growing up? Don't brag. Don't lord your good fortune over others, especially others who are less fortunate than you. We look down on people who flaunt their wealth, especially those so wealthy that they're simply out of touch with the "real world" (think Paris Hilton, the Kardashians, all kinds of naughty movie stars and musicians). God has revealed some divine secrets that Paul can't really share with us, not directly, and Paul is struggling with the adversity that God sent him for the very purpose of keeping his, Paul's, perspective.
All of us experience this same kind of struggle, whether it's exterior events (difficult life events, people who don't like us) that are the "thorn in the flesh" or our own personal failings (temptations, sins). We tend to berate ourselves for our failings, or ask "why me?" about the adversity we experience during our lives, but Paul reframes these weaknesses as a way to grace, strength, and the power of Jesus.
It kind of turns our perspective on its head, to think about how enduring and embracing adversity and our own human failings (just as the human-yet-divine Jesus did) helps us become stronger, so that the power of Christ dwells within us.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." -- II Corinthians 12:9-10
First off, a disclaimer: I don't pretend to the depth of research and thoughtfulness that tehmayor shows in post after post, so I'll be exploring more of what these passages say to me personally.
As I read and re-read Paul's words about weakness and strength, it brought to mind a cultural convention that many of us -- me included -- frequently indulge in. "I look so fat in this." "I'm not very good at [something you're actually pretty good at]." "I'm sure I failed that exam." On the surface, these self-deprecating comments resemble Paul's -- aren't we boasting of our weaknesses when we do this? But most of the time, comments like this have the goal -- whether overtly or subtly -- of compelling the hearer to protest. "No, you look great in that dress!" "No, you sounded great!" "Whatever, you always say that and you always ace the exams!" Sometimes these looked-for responses are accompanied by eye-rolling, especially when they're really egregious in their attention-seeking. We know you know you didn't fail that test. We know you're a great singer. We know you're smart. Why are you forcing us to make sincere, though not voluntary, affirmations?
Do we really think so little of ourselves, or focus so much on our negatives, that the automatic (but not necessarily heartfelt) contradictions of those around us are necessary? And are these non-spontaneous affirmations even affirming, really? I can't tell you why I do it. It's a combination of reasons, I'm sure, not least of which is that it's normal and accepted practice. Most of us do this as a matter of course in our daily lives.
But I'm getting away from the core of what Paul is talking about. In the preceding verses, he tells us that he's worried that if he gets too elated because of the revelations he's experienced, God might get after him or humiliate him. Isn't that a lot like what we are taught growing up? Don't brag. Don't lord your good fortune over others, especially others who are less fortunate than you. We look down on people who flaunt their wealth, especially those so wealthy that they're simply out of touch with the "real world" (think Paris Hilton, the Kardashians, all kinds of naughty movie stars and musicians). God has revealed some divine secrets that Paul can't really share with us, not directly, and Paul is struggling with the adversity that God sent him for the very purpose of keeping his, Paul's, perspective.
All of us experience this same kind of struggle, whether it's exterior events (difficult life events, people who don't like us) that are the "thorn in the flesh" or our own personal failings (temptations, sins). We tend to berate ourselves for our failings, or ask "why me?" about the adversity we experience during our lives, but Paul reframes these weaknesses as a way to grace, strength, and the power of Jesus.
It kind of turns our perspective on its head, to think about how enduring and embracing adversity and our own human failings (just as the human-yet-divine Jesus did) helps us become stronger, so that the power of Christ dwells within us.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Practical Miracles
"He took the child by the hand and said to her, 'Talitha koum' which means, 'Little girl, I say to you, arise!' The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat." - Mark 5:41-43
Obviously bringing someone back to life is a huge miracle. But the part of this that reminds me of how human Jesus was is when he told others to get her a bite to eat. Most likely it was because she was sick for so long, she had little energy and was quite hungry. But the fact that Jesus thought of this (and that Mark specifically mentions it) reminds us all that, despite his ability to perform miracles, preach to our souls, and baptize us with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was a man. He understood us because he was one of us. He knew that, when you've finally beaten a sickness, you need to be fed. And he knew that everyone was so astounded they weren't thinking about the girl's immediate needs, just that this man brought a little girl back to life.
This isn't the only account of Jesus bringing someone back to life. But as amazing as this event is, what's more amazing is that, by dying, Jesus brings us all back to life - and into an everlasting life. One where we don't need Jesus to heal us, but rather a life where we walk with Jesus forever.
Special note: Next week I will be on vacation, so a very insightful stand-in will be contributing a couple posts in my absence. I hope you enjoy!
Obviously bringing someone back to life is a huge miracle. But the part of this that reminds me of how human Jesus was is when he told others to get her a bite to eat. Most likely it was because she was sick for so long, she had little energy and was quite hungry. But the fact that Jesus thought of this (and that Mark specifically mentions it) reminds us all that, despite his ability to perform miracles, preach to our souls, and baptize us with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was a man. He understood us because he was one of us. He knew that, when you've finally beaten a sickness, you need to be fed. And he knew that everyone was so astounded they weren't thinking about the girl's immediate needs, just that this man brought a little girl back to life.
This isn't the only account of Jesus bringing someone back to life. But as amazing as this event is, what's more amazing is that, by dying, Jesus brings us all back to life - and into an everlasting life. One where we don't need Jesus to heal us, but rather a life where we walk with Jesus forever.
Special note: Next week I will be on vacation, so a very insightful stand-in will be contributing a couple posts in my absence. I hope you enjoy!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Have Faith
"While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, 'Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?' Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, 'Do not be afraid; just have faith.' " - Mark 5:35-36
"'Cause I gotta have faith..." - George Michael
Imagine, for a minute, that your child is sick. Really sick. So sick that you're willing to do anything to help them feel better. Now imagine you think you've found the cure - only to arrive home and find your child has succumbed to the sickness before you could deliver the cure.
Heartbreaking, to say the least.
And this is exactly how the synagogue official felt. His daughter is sick, he finds Jesus, convinces him to come with, only to arrive home and find out his daughter has already died. What dispair, what raw emotions he must have felt - to not only feel like he missed his only opportunity to save his daughter, but that he wasn't by her side during her last moments.
Thankfully, the cure he's brought with is no ordinary medicine. In fact, it's so potent death can't keep it from working.
It's called faith. Faith is (spoiler alert) what brings this little girl back to life. Faith is what keeps Christ's message going through two millenia. Faith is what keeps us believing when it feels like the world is against us. Faith is what sustains us when we long for a sign from God, to hear God's voice, to see God's glory.
And faith is what brings us to everlasting life. In one way or another, we too will be like the synagogue official's daughter. We will be brought back to life someday with Christ. And on that great day, we will fully understand how just a little faith can move mountains. How a little faith can heal us. How a little faith will bring us into God's kingdom.
Forever.
"'Cause I gotta have faith..." - George Michael
Imagine, for a minute, that your child is sick. Really sick. So sick that you're willing to do anything to help them feel better. Now imagine you think you've found the cure - only to arrive home and find your child has succumbed to the sickness before you could deliver the cure.
Heartbreaking, to say the least.
And this is exactly how the synagogue official felt. His daughter is sick, he finds Jesus, convinces him to come with, only to arrive home and find out his daughter has already died. What dispair, what raw emotions he must have felt - to not only feel like he missed his only opportunity to save his daughter, but that he wasn't by her side during her last moments.
Thankfully, the cure he's brought with is no ordinary medicine. In fact, it's so potent death can't keep it from working.
It's called faith. Faith is (spoiler alert) what brings this little girl back to life. Faith is what keeps Christ's message going through two millenia. Faith is what keeps us believing when it feels like the world is against us. Faith is what sustains us when we long for a sign from God, to hear God's voice, to see God's glory.
And faith is what brings us to everlasting life. In one way or another, we too will be like the synagogue official's daughter. We will be brought back to life someday with Christ. And on that great day, we will fully understand how just a little faith can move mountains. How a little faith can heal us. How a little faith will bring us into God's kingdom.
Forever.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Hands
"One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, 'My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.' " - Mark 5:22-23
As early as Genesis, when Isaac lays his hands on Jacob, the laying on of hands has been a way to communicate faith in a very physical sense. It's used during confirmation, entrance to the priesthood, when anointing those who are sick, and to send someone off before leaving for a long journey. It's something parents do to children to communicate love (and restraint), and something children may do upon the passing of their parent.
The touch, from one believer to another, speaks directly to the soul of that person. It connects us, through the Holy Spirit, to provide hope, support, or just an awareness that we are there. We use it to welcome new life, and to bid farewell to a life that's passed. It connects us all, and reminds us that, though we may be different, our destinies are intertwined, and that someday, we'll be together again.
And it's this connection that a synagogue official believes will save his little girl. He believes that Jesus is different - that his touch can save a person's soul, and make them whole again. And he's willing to do whatever it takes for that little girl - even though it looks pretty bad to have a synagogue official speak directly to a man who's making so many waves within the Jewish population. But he's willing to risk it all, because deep inside he knows what we know - that through Jesus, all will be healed.
As early as Genesis, when Isaac lays his hands on Jacob, the laying on of hands has been a way to communicate faith in a very physical sense. It's used during confirmation, entrance to the priesthood, when anointing those who are sick, and to send someone off before leaving for a long journey. It's something parents do to children to communicate love (and restraint), and something children may do upon the passing of their parent.
The touch, from one believer to another, speaks directly to the soul of that person. It connects us, through the Holy Spirit, to provide hope, support, or just an awareness that we are there. We use it to welcome new life, and to bid farewell to a life that's passed. It connects us all, and reminds us that, though we may be different, our destinies are intertwined, and that someday, we'll be together again.
And it's this connection that a synagogue official believes will save his little girl. He believes that Jesus is different - that his touch can save a person's soul, and make them whole again. And he's willing to do whatever it takes for that little girl - even though it looks pretty bad to have a synagogue official speak directly to a man who's making so many waves within the Jewish population. But he's willing to risk it all, because deep inside he knows what we know - that through Jesus, all will be healed.
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