"Christ the Power of God" - Conclusion of Unselfish, Responsible and Considerate Use of Power

This powerful man, Jesus was nothing like those rulers who have  wielded power in callous disregard for the needs and suffering of others. Jesus cared about people.  The mere sight of the afflicted touched him so deeply that he was motivated to relieve their suffering.  (Matthew 14:14)  He was considerate of their feelings and needs, and their tender  concern influenced the way he used his power. A moving example is found at Mark 7:31-37.

On the occasion, great crowds found Jesus and brought to him many who were sick, and he cured them all.  (Matthew 15:29, 30)  But Jesus singled out one man for special consideration.  The man was dear and hardly able to talk.  Jesus may have sensed this man's particular nervousness or embarrassment.  Thoughtfully, Jesus took the man aside-away from the crowd-to a private place.  Then Jesus used some signs to convey to the man what he was about to do.  He "put his fingers into the man's ears and after spitting, he touched his tongue." (Mark 7:33)  Next, he looked up to heaven and  uttered a prayerful sigh.  These actions would say to the man,'What I am about to do for you is due to the power from God.'  Finally, Jesus said:  "Be opened." (Mark 7:34) At that, the man's hearing was restored, and he was able to speak normally. 

How touching to think that even when using his God-given  power to heal the afflicted, Jesus showed a sympathetic regard for their feelings!  Is it not reassuring to know that Jehovah has place the Messianic Kingdom in the hands of such a caring, considerate Ruler?

Next time: "Christ the Power of God" -A Portent of Things to Come

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah