AMAZED
Sometimes a small difference in translation can make a larger difference in one’s perception in what has been said. For example, the word marvel in the NKJV is often substituted for the word amazed in the NIV. The latter seems to convey a more emotional response than does the former in many instances.
In most cases, it’s the response of the populace to the teachings or action of Christ which is reported through the Bible, whether it be marvelling or amazement at what is being said or done. But in at least two instances, it was Christ Himself who had the response.
On one occasion, after a day in which He was followed by large numbers of people and had done many wonders,
a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”
And Jesus said to him “I will come and heal him.”
The centurion answered and said,
“Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof.
But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed…”
When Jesus heard it, He marvelled [was amazed], and said to those who followed,
“Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
(Matthew 8:5-8,10)
On another occasion, Jesus went to teach in the synagogue and the people took offence at Him and apparently also at His teaching. As a result, He said
“A prophet is not without honour except in his own country,
among his own relatives and in his own house.”
Now he could do no mighty work there,
except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.
And He marvelled (was amazed) because of their unbelief.
(Mark 6:4-6)
So Jesus Himself was amazed: first at the faith of some people and then by the unbelief in others. The important thing to notice, however, was how the ones with faith had blessing and how the ones with unbelief were unable to receive any “mighty work”. For “…without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11:6) so let one “…ask in faith, with no doubting…” (James 1:6) if one expects to receive any “mighty work” (Mark 6:5). Faith in this context really refers to belief in God and His promises. In Deuteronomy 30, God is said to have set before people both good and evil with the request that we keep His commandments, statutes, and judgements and so receive blessing, prosperity, and life. But also a warning that if we fall away from what He requires then curses, misfortune, and death will await.
If God is amazed at you, is it at your faith or your unbelief?
It is something to think about.
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