Devotion - Tuesday, February 27

I want to say a bit more, about demons.  The demons spoken of in the Gospels are also used as a way to dismiss Jesus.

In Mark 3, those who would not hear what Jesus came to proclaim suggested that he is the one possessed.  

One of the lessons my campus pastor taught me is that everyone who follows Jesus will be a bit out of step with the world and those who inhabit it.  Pastor Gerhard warned us that following Jesus would make us a bit odd and would create opportunities for others to speak harshly of us.  We may not be labeled as being possessed by demons, but we are likely to be dismissed or diminished.

The faith of Jesus calls upon us to care for others, to sacrifice for others, and to be servant of others.  The faith of Jesus teaches us to offer our life.  The faith of Jesus calls upon us to take up the cross.

No wonder they wanted to dismiss Jesus and his way.