Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
At the end of the account of John the Baptist’s execution (Mark 6:14-29), we find an example of uncommon courage and common decency: “And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb” (verse 29). This simple act of basic human respect contrasts completely with the murderous machinations of the Herods. These “disciples” risked the wrath of Antipas and Herodias to perform the necessary act of burial. They had no assurance that their request would be granted. Moreover, they did not know if they might be perceived as threats to the Herods and imprisoned or killed. Certainly the Herods, having beheaded the great prophet, would have had no problem mistreating his followers. However, these brave individuals persisted in doing the right thing and were successful. Their final display of love and devotion is a fine illustration of Galatians 6:9-10: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not [do not give up]. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”