Jesus was surprised and marvelled when His own home
town did not believe nor responded to His ministry.
Mark 6:5-6 NASB
"And He could do no miracle there except
that He laid His hands upon a few sick people
and healed them. And He wondered at their
unbelief."
Jesus saw the faith of those carrying to Him
a paralytic lying on a bed and He said, "Take
courage, My son, your sins are forgiven."
Matthew 9:1-6 records their interactions, but
also included the reactions of the scribes
who falsely claimed Jesus was blaspheming.
Luke 5:21 NASB
"The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason
saying, "Who is this man who speaks blasphemies?
Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"
Jesus commanded the paralytic to get up, take
his bed, and go home. It reads as though He
did so to prove His authority to both forgive
as well as heal. His adversaries did not believe.
What are these limitations to the growth of our
ministry, our walk of faith and our inner-man's
journey to draw near to Him? Such obstacles
and resulting attacks are from those in positions
of power who have a vested interest in keeping
the status quo. They do not want authority to
be shared by others.
Jesus encouraged many to have courage to
exercise their inner faith with bold actions.
Mathew 9:22 NASB
But Jesus turning and seeing her said
"Daughter, take courage; your faith has
made you well." At once the woman was
made well.
Mathew 14:27 NASB
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying
"Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Mark 6:50 NASB
... for they all saw Him and were terrified.
But immediately He spoke with them and said
to them, "Take courage; it is I, do not be
afraid."
Mark 10:49-52 NASB
And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him here."
So they called the blind man, saying to him,
"Take courage, stand up! He is calling for
you." [50] Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped
up and came to Jesus. [51] And answering him,
Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
And the blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, I want
to regain my sight!" [52] And Jesus said to him
"Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately
he regained his sight and began following Him
on the road.
John 16:33 NASB
"These things I have spoken to you, so that
in Me you may have peace. In the world you
have tribulation, but take courage; I have
overcome the world."
