• New Testament Reading: Matthew 8:23-9:17
• Old Testament Passage: Isaiah 40:13-14
• Points to Ponder

“What Kind of Man is This?”

What struck me as I read these familiar accounts again, is that Jesus was always doing or saying
something totally unexpected. All manner of people were amazed -- his own disciples, the crowds,
the teachers of the law, the Pharisees and John’s disciples. Consider what Jesus did and said in each
of these situations. He ought to amaze us as well, no matter how many times we have read these
accounts!

The fact is that he was always doing and saying the unexpected because he was unique -- never
before or since has there been anyone like Jesus. This is what you’d expect from someone claiming
to be the Son of God -- not the same old, same old, that everyone else does, but the unpredictable,
the radical, the extreme, the audacious; in short, the unique!

As a follower of Jesus shouldn’t I, at times, be doing and saying the unexpected as well? OK, I can’t
still the storm or cast demons into pigs or heal a paralytic, but I can be confident in the midst of
life’s storms, compassionate towards those who are ostracized in our society and speak with
authority from the word of God. Jesus stood out not just because he was unique, but because he was
willing to live a unique lifestyle. Am I willing to step out of the crowd and follow his example?

• Questions to Consider: What circumstances will you face today that will give you the
opportunity to do or say the unexpected? If you’re not sure, ask yourself, “What would Jesus
do?” in those circumstances. That will, not doubt, help you see what you need to do or say.