Simon Marsh

AGAIN AND AGAIN we see in the earthly ministry of Jesus how deeply aware of human need God is. To any who have sat through sleep inducing sermons, longing for lunchtime, Jesus will come across as both enormously sensitive and immensely practical—no good even trying to address a large crowd of people whose stomachs are rumbling! Let’s first address the more obvious, human need. Let’s feed the hungry. (see John 6.1-21) - There’s a good earthly starting point if we want then to go on to a bit of teaching about being rooted, grounded, established—in the fullness of God: in Love.

Again and again, too, we see signs of the heavenly source of the ministry of Jesus. A reputation for compassion—coupled with an ability to heal and to restore. A raising up of the little things—little boy, five loaves, two fishes. An awareness of wider needs than those immediately presented—requesting that nothing be wasted—phew!—now there’s a little something for us to take on board. An extra-ordinary understanding of human motives—knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force. A measure of the miraculous—the ability to walk on water. Compassion for our little human fearfulness—It is I, don’t be afraid. There’s so very much of MYSTERY to be seen in Jesus. So much that is beyond us. So much that cannot be tied down by words—or by Church pronouncements. For this reason, I kneel before the Father. For this reason, I do worship.