Tag Archives: God’s Graces

“I think sometimes we get so focused on getting the message out that we forget that the person we’re interacting with is a fellow human being made in the image of God with all the wondrous design and complexity that entails.  We need to treat them with respect as per 1 Peter 3:15 by listening to what they say.   We need to pray that God would aid our ears to help us discern how to apply Gospel first aid.    Jesus did that and with remarkable effectiveness cut to the heart of the problem -  Jesus was talking to a man who had no idea that he was anything else but a human rabbi.  In listening to him, Jesus discerned that the man’s (somewhat fawning) pious talk needed to be dealt with immediately.  Jesus was after the self-righteousness that thinks you can make yourself “good” and acceptable to God.  He is seeking to challenge this man’s whole concept of moral goodness.[Tim Keller's Study Guide on Mark]“
– Christopher Powell