Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones.

Nice to see bright sunshine at present. I’d like to make good use of it.

The little boys arrived here this morning early. Becki and Thano are talking about taking them to the zoo today. We’ll see how that plays out. It may require Kaden to have nap first. He’s been real fussy and uncooperative this morning. Oh, good…Thano just came in and announced that Kaden is sleeping even as I type.

Blessings on your day. Love, Dad/Ray.

The word “amazed” is used two times close together in the text of the NIV. The first is in verse 2—“…and many who heard him were amazed.” It describes the attitudes of many in Jesus’ hometown where they were AMAZED at His teaching, wisdom, and power to do miracles. But, sadly, they were AMAZED in the wrong direction, causing them to recoil with offense. It seems that they were bound by a view of preferred mediocrity—that anyone with such a common and well-known background as Jesus should not be allowed to be so brilliant, influential, and powerful. After all, He was only a carpenter with no special ministry training!

The second occurrence of “amazed” is in verse 6 where Jesus is “amazed at their lack of faith.” He marvels that they would have such an opportunity to receive light, revelation, and guidance toward abundant living, yet still “loved darkness instead of light” (John 3:19). Interesting—they are AMAZED at Jesus, and Jesus is AMAZED at them. Amazing contrast. And the amazement continues to this day.

Let’s be AMAZED at Jesus in the right way—continually singing “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.” That attitude of soul and mind will assist us to avoid Jesus being AMAZED at us for our lack of faith—our rejection of opportunities for growth and enlightenment that He gives.