“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee.” [MARK 1:9]
We often find it difficult to trust God because we know so little about God, for he is greater than we can imagine and too vast for us to comprehend. That is why Jesus is so important to us. Jesus provides for us the clearest picture of the nature of God. Even if we had never heard his words but simply watched his actions, we would know something of the character of God.
The first verb Mark used to describe Jesus’ action is “came.” Jesus came to be with us. God’s first move is to be among us—Immanuel, God is with us. There is more. Mark tells of a Jesus who “taught,” “cured,” “took her by the hand and lifted her up,” and “forgave.” We see a Jesus who “sat at dinner,” “had compassion,” and “laid hands” on people. He “blessed,” he “sang,” he “cried out,” he “died,” and he “rose from the dead.” These are verbs of compassion. If we want to know what God is like, all we have to do is look at what Jesus did.
We see in Jesus’ actions God’s compassion, tenderness, and desire to care for us. How should they impact our understanding of God’s character and our trust in it?
Lord, because of the picture of your character given through the actions of your Son, I know I can trust you. Amen. [Faith That Matters]
