When Jesus marvelled

Dear friend

When was the last time you were caused to marvel at something you saw or heard? It could have been a strikingly designed building, an exquisite work of art, or a super-smart piece of technology. Maybe you marvelled at a stage illusionist presenting an inexplicable magic trick.

To marvel means to be filled with wonder and astonishment at something or someone. The person or object may be called a marvel. Every so often something or someone will catch our breath and make us marvel.

I remember reading about two incidents of the Lord marvelling. At the time I thought, 'how is that possible?' The first is the inspirational story of the centurion seeking a blessing for his servant from Jesus. Christ's reaction to the humility of the request is found in the New Testament, Matthew 8:10.

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

With all His insights into the human mind, with his knowledge of things past, present and future, with His capacity for discernment, the Lord was still caused to marvel at this man's faith. The thought made me marvel.

The second incident relates to Christ in His home town, His saving work is stifled at almost every turn by the collective apathy of familiarity. To them he was just the carpenter. It comes from Mark 6:5.

6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

In both incidents I believe we should avoid confusing marvelling with surprise; at least when it comes to the Lord. We too can know beforehand how spectacular a thing is likely to be, but it still causes the wide eyes of wonder.

I think it is great that we have the capacity to marvel, even as Jesus did. Just imagine the marvel when we get to enter the Celestial Kingdom and sit at our Father's throne.

I hope you can feel the marvellous love of God for you. I pray that one day Jesus will also marvel at your great faith.

Samuel.