Christ Walking on the Sea of Galilee by Paul Bril (c. 1590’s)
The people are really responding as Jesus performs miracles and teaches truth all of Galilee. He has also begun to see mass rejection of his teaching, notably in Nazareth, then in the region of the Garasenes after he sent the demons into the pigs. Many of his own disciples turned away after the teaching got hard.
I’m so grateful for the compassion our savior has, to know in advance about rejection, opposition and betrayal, and continue to teach in love, so that all may be saved! He knew who was going to turn away, and who was going to betray him, and yet he stayed close, declaring the truth to all who would listen, feeding multitudes miraculously, and healing all who came to him in faith. If you’ve ever disappointed him, or worked against him, or sank into unbelief, the gospels prove that he will never leave you behind.
There is a lot of content out there to support our understanding of the gospels, and today I offer three videos for you to enjoy. First, check out this on about why Jesus keeps referring to himself as the “Son of man,” the video below might help lock it down.
As we go into the next week of Jesus’s revolutionary teachings, and the veiled revelations about his coming sacrifice, it also might be helpful to get an overview of his ministry as told in the first half of John’s gospel:
Lastly, sharing a remix video about Mark’s gospel that I really enjoyed. This different vibe tells the story well, I think.
This coming week brings us the transfiguration, and we will witness increased intensity in both the faithful followers as well as the opposition. Just four more weeks of the gospels, and then Jesus ascends, and we begin to build his church!