Mark 2:15-17
Whether in the temple precincts or by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus continually astounded those who heard His words and observed His conduct. He did not teach like the scribes but spoke as one with authority. He healed the infirm immediately and completely. He touched the leper and allowed the woman to touch His feet with her hair. Demons confessed Him and at His word came out of their captives.
The way Jesus lived was also different from what was usually expected. He spent a lot of time mingling with and teaching the undesirables of the day: tax collectors, women of questionable background, known sinners, etc. He had no house of His own but traveled about accepting lodging wherever He could find it. He sought no glory for Himself but always sought to honor His heavenly Father.
But perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of the person of Jesus was His view of life. He saw everything differently. He saw everything from a spiritual and a heavenly perspective - the true perspective. The storm on the sea sparked no fear in Him. He admonished the crowds not to seek the food for the stomach but the bread of life for the soul. He rebuked His disciples for wanting to have the first place in the kingdom and not wanting to be servants. Two copper coins were worth much more than a handful of gold ones. Living water was more to be sought more than a drink for parched lips. A house filled with worldly wealth would likely keep a person out of the kingdom of heaven. A visit to the bedside of the sick or the jail cell reached into heaven itself. Cloaks were to be given away and not accumulated. Fishing for men was to be desired above fishing for fish. The right heart was to be chosen over ritual acts. Man-made traditions were to be jettisoned in favor of doing what God truly called for. A cross of wood was to be embraced rather than disobeying one’s heavenly Father.
Do we see life the way Jesus did - with a true perspective of things? Have we taken on the challenge of becoming like Him?
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