There are times when we humans find ouselves in situations beyond our control. It is in these times that we often find ourselves the most desperate and open to anything that could offer hope in the midst of trying times. Throughout Mark 5&6, Jesus seems to walk into these situations wherever he goes. He finds a man so demon-possessed that he is out of his mind, he finds a dead girl, a bleeding woman, a hungry crowd. In each of these circumstances, Jesus brings out the transformation that is needed. To transform simply means "to change" or "to make different". While not all transformation is good, the transformation Jesus brings to each situation testifies to his love and compassion and his desire for each person in the story. What is not explicity mentioned in the Scripture is that, with the possible exception of Jesus feeding the multitudes, the initial transformation Jesus brings to a situation is only the beginning; most of those who had their circumstances changed in the immediate also most likely experienced more transformation in the form of being welcomed back as a member of their community.
It is interesting to read, though, that Jesus and His transforming power was most unwelcomed among those who knew him best. Those with whom he grew up, who were around to see the child Jesus, could not believe that Jesus was who everybody was proclaiming him to be. As a result of their unbelief, Jesus could do nothing around them. I think the message was that transformation grews out of faith that Jesus can bring about the transformation that people desire.
Here is my question for the night: what, if any, part of our life needs transforming? As a follow-up, if Jesus were to offer that transformation to you, would you accept it?
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