Monday, May 22, 2006
NEW LIFE
Vv. 1c-2a. and the twelve were with Him, 2. and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses
Jesus was not alone in His evangelistic efforts; the twelve were with Him. This would include the disciples listed in Mark 3:16-17 and Luke 6:14-16. But included in his entourage were also some women. This was bizarre for a rabbi/teacher to waste their time educating women, so here is another example of how countercultural Jesus was in His day. On the surface, the view of Jesus is one who associates with tax collectors, sinners and values women in common with the men. This is unheard of! (We see this most often in Luke’s gospel where he gives a special prominence to women.) It would appear that Jesus just was not going to be accepted by the status quo.
The women are further described as those who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses. This is a testament as to Jesus taking an interest in them by restoring their health. In turn we see them taking their restored lives and wholeheartedly giving them back to Him for His glory. Before He came, their lives were basically over; outside of their own control due to the domination of evil spirits and sicknesses. No longer are these women dominated or do they find themselves restored to health that they may selfishly consider and pursue some new enterprise for their own profit. These women found their solace by being with Him.
Jesus was not alone in His evangelistic efforts; the twelve were with Him. This would include the disciples listed in Mark 3:16-17 and Luke 6:14-16. But included in his entourage were also some women. This was bizarre for a rabbi/teacher to waste their time educating women, so here is another example of how countercultural Jesus was in His day. On the surface, the view of Jesus is one who associates with tax collectors, sinners and values women in common with the men. This is unheard of! (We see this most often in Luke’s gospel where he gives a special prominence to women.) It would appear that Jesus just was not going to be accepted by the status quo.
The women are further described as those who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses. This is a testament as to Jesus taking an interest in them by restoring their health. In turn we see them taking their restored lives and wholeheartedly giving them back to Him for His glory. Before He came, their lives were basically over; outside of their own control due to the domination of evil spirits and sicknesses. No longer are these women dominated or do they find themselves restored to health that they may selfishly consider and pursue some new enterprise for their own profit. These women found their solace by being with Him.
# posted by Castusfumus : 5:47 PM
