Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” Mark 7 : 35 - 37
Readings this week : Isaiah 35 : 4 – 7a; James 2 : 1 – 10, 14 - 17; Mark 7 : 24 - end
Thought for this week
Throughout the Gospels Jesus meets people from His heart of kindness and compassion. Revealing His love in surprising and wonderful ways.
Yet meeting with Jesus is never going to be easy. He meets us with His truth, the One who is Truth. He can be unsettling, discomforting, abrasive even. Always in love. Always bringing new things.
In our reading today a woman comes to Jesus in faith that He can heal her daughter. Yet she is an outsider in terms of Israel and the Jewish expectations. Jesus speaks to her of giving children’s bread to dogs. It is disarming, uncomfortable language. But meeting with Jesus is never going to be straightforward, comfortable or easy.
Jesus heals the woman’s daughter, and praises her for her faith, then goes on to Gentile towns healing and responding to those who come believing in Him.
None of this was easy for Jesus’ Jewish followers, or the religious authorities, or for that matter, in His humanity, for Jesus Himself. Jesus disturbs us from our comfortable places. Faith in Him leads us to lay aside all that hinders, and take up all that brings true life. What about us? How does Jesus need to challenge you and me today?
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit upon your Church in the burning fire of your love: grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel that, always abiding in you, they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Lord God, defend your Church from all false teaching and give to your people knowledge of your truth, that we may enjoy eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
People to pray for
For Ben as he prepares to be Licensed
For youngsters preparing for further education or work opportunities
For our schools and the new term