Matthew 14:34-36

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

So let’s review where we are. The Pharisees and other religious authorities see Jesus as something of a troublemaker. Herod thinks he may be John the Baptist returned from the dead to haunt him. The disciples find his power both frightening and inspiring. But the crowds…. Well, the crowds recognize him as coming from God. Why? Because wherever he goes, abundant life follows. He has compassion for all in need, feeds all who are hungry, heals all who are sick.

Actions, they say, speak louder than words. And the crowds know this. They have watched his actions again and again to the point that when they even see him coming, they flock to him to receive the healing and mercy of God he represents. Even reaching out to touch the fringe of his cloak is enough for them, because they know that to touch him is to be in touch with the essence of God’s goodness and to be healed of whatever ailed them.

I wonder if at times we have made our sense of Jesus too complicated. The church debated for centuries the relationship between Jesus’ divine and human natures; individual Christians have argued about what it means to be a true disciple of Christ; churches have split over different understandings about his teaching. It’s not that these things don’t matter. But I wonder whether we might imitate the crowds and simply see in his compassion, mercy, and power the goodness of God revealed and available for all who are in need and are willing merely to approach him and ask for mercy.

Prayer: Dear God, open our eyes to your goodness that we may seek out Jesus and discover life in all its abundance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.