What do you think would happen if you stomped on a ketchup packet? Would you expect only air to escape the contents of the packet? Undoubtedly, the pressure of the stomp would result in an explosion of ketchup, and perhaps a messy shoe.  Oddly enough, we don’t always predict our responses to specific situations accurately. In moments of extreme...

When we study the miraculous works of Jesus—Jesus’ calming a storm, healing sickness, multiplying food, walking on water, turning water into wine, helping blind people see, or any of the other miracles that Jesus performed—it’s possible to miss the larger story being told and the purpose of these encounters. Like standing too close to a painting, our view of...

As you read of the miraculous multiplication of bread and fish in Matthew 15 pay attention to what captures your attention. What stands out most? Consider these astonishing observations: Thousands of people had been following and listening to Jesus for three days with nothing to eat. The disciples doubted Jesus’ ability to provide something substantial enough to meet the...

When someone you know is sick, how do you respond? Do you press in with compassion and prayer, offering to take a meal? Are you tempted to withdraw and leave their needs to others? In today’s passage, we will see Jesus repeatedly draw near to people in their time of need.  The Gospel accounts provide a powerful picture of...

As Jesus worked miracles, people were curious and amazed. Large crowds started following Him. Among those most interested in the works of Jesus were the Jewish leaders who looked unfavorably upon both the actions of Jesus and the following that He was gaining. Though they were interested, they felt increasingly threatened.   The Pharisees and teachers had gathered to see...

In the Gospel accounts of Jesus calming the storm, we learn that Jesus’ disciples experienced tremendous fear. Their fear was so great, they believed they would perish in the storm. Yet, Jesus experienced the same violent storm, and rather than quake in fear, He slept.  The disciples’ fear emerged from a lack of faith in the One who slept...