Paddling Into the BombНамуна

Negotiating The Drop

Focus verses: Mark 6:1–6

We kicked off this plan with a look at Jesus’ early ministry and how everyone who met Him couldn’t help but ask: “Who is this man?”

And, as we saw, your answer to that question has real significance… now and for eternity.

Today, Jesus’ training program continues with more revolutionary teaching, like taking the Kingdom beyond Israel to the Syro-Phoenician woman (chapter 7), and overturning conventions by teaching that servanthood is the path to greatness (chapter 9).

Jesus also continues to show God’s Kingdom practically by healing people and even feeding thousands from a single lunch box!

Of course, all this doesn’t go unnoticed by those who begin to feel threatened by His advancing Kingdom.

This opposition comes as expected from the ruling religious establishment, but also, perhaps surprisingly, from His hometown, where “he was amazed at their unbelief” (chapter 6:6). It’s hard to read this without the foreboding of future events. We know where Jesus is headed and He even predicts His death twice (chapter 8 and chapter 9).

But Jesus’ concern is always for doing His Father’s will and for the good of those around Him, not for Himself. He really is the ultimate superhero! He’s on a mission, and He leads His followers with compassion and purpose.

Every time opposition arises, Jesus confronts it, confounds it, or navigates through it, with wisdom, love, and humility. His life and ministry are far from easy, yet even in the toughest moments, He holds fast to God’s purpose for Him.

For you and me, it’s safe to say that not every wave is going to offer a clean take-off. Some take-offs are going to have ledges and there’s going to be wind blowing up the face keeping you hung up in the lip.

But that begs the question… how do you face opposition? The temptation is often to react with arrogance and be defensive, especially if we think we have the moral high ground. What can we learn from Jesus’ response?

Pray and act

Which of Jesus’ qualities do you admire most as He deals with opposition – patience, wisdom, determination, or something else? How can you develop those characteristics in your own life as you deal with inevitable challenges or opposition?

Pray: Jesus, fill me with your humility and perseverance to overcome when life throws me a curve ball. Life isn’t all offshore breezes and glassy barreling waves, but I want to learn from you and land the late take-off.