Mark Chapter 8 verses 14-15 (NIV)
When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
What stood out to me here were two things. The first was that without Jesus in their midst, the other disciples and the teachers in the law got embroiled in an argument, presumably about religious differences, in the midst of a large crowd. Not a very edifying testimony for either side. We need to be careful to make sure we have the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit when we speak. There’s a time to speak up and a time to be quiet. We need to use wisdom and discernment and always remember that we are Christ’s Ambassadors, and never hurt Him by the way we act when we represent Him.
The second point was that when Jesus came onto the scene, and the people saw Him, they were overwhelmed with wonder. That’s what Jesus expects our testimony to be; that people see Him in us, and it causes them to turn to Him in wonder as the crowd did.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember to represent Your goodness and grace to others and not get caught up in inappropriate arguments that don’t bring You any glory. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.