I came out of the wilderness stronger and fortified. The desert had been more than a place, it had also been a spiritual awakening in my soul. I had seen and experienced things that I could not have imagined were possible.
The corrupt nature of man had been laid bare, I had more than glimpsed the darkness of the pit. The smell of evil had surrounded me and many times it had almost sucked me in. I had fought with every fibre of my being to resist being dragged into Satan’s plans for humanity.
Thank you tourismisrael.com
The trauma of the last forty days and nights was still very fresh in my memory. I decided that it was a good thing, the raw emotions needed to be relived, in order for me to remain vigilant. I knew the Devil would not give up; he would continue to attack me whenever the opportunity arose. I was a very real threat to him!
With each step I took, my determination gained momentum. My first test had shown me to be a successful match for Satan. I was under no illusion that my Father was the power behind my resistance. I couldn’t have survived even the slightest temptation without him. I looked silently up to heaven and uttered my grateful thanks. God’s son or not, I knew I was nothing without him!
I felt like skipping! I grinned up into heaven and the warm, bright sunshine met my grin with an echoing laughter. God was with me and now my part was to teach everyone who was willing to listen, about God’s plans for a loving, compassionate, moral, sin-free world. I was excited.
I headed to Capernaum besides the Sea of Galilee. I gazed out over the crowd which had gathered there to hear me preach. Some had just come to see what was going on but many wanted to hear about the kingdom of God. Every word I uttered came through heaven; I was fulfilling the scriptures.
A Synagogue in Capernaum Thank you paulkjm66
When the crowds dispersed at the end of the day, and everywhere became quiet, I was never alone because my Father was always with me. I would creep away to a quiet place and talk over the day’s events with Him.
He always ensured I had the generosity of someone who would give me food and I slept under the stars, just as David did, when he was a shepherd. I was never lonely; my Father surrounded me; he was in everything I could see and His words echoed in my mind. My heart was overflowing with His love.
The task before me was immense and I knew that there would be a definite need for someone to continue the work I had begun when the time came for me to leave. I needed to find the right followers which God had preordained to be my disciples.
I was mulling over these thoughts while walking along the sea shore. The sun highlighted Simon – also called Peter – and Andrew his brother. I called out to them “Come, be my disciples.” I also called out to James and John, again two brothers; without hesitation they all followed me. I called twelve men in all and they came with me without hesitation.
Jesus Calling Fishermen
Circa 1920, Unknown Artist Thanks freechristimages.com
We were a happy group of friends. We were free; we travelled around and for most of the time we got on well together. As with any closely knit group, living in tight proximity with each other, there was bound to be petty arguments, testosterone playing a huge part. There were lots of pretty girls around and being in the nucleus of leadership always attracts attention. We joked about who was the most popular and there was always an underlying current of rivalry.
On the whole, though, our lives were good. We travelled around preaching God’s word and, whenever the need arose, my Father used us as His instruments to heal the sick and banish evil spirits from those poor souls who were possessed. God’s power overcame except when faced with the unbelief that I met in my home town, Nazareth.
I can appreciate that the people living there had seen me grow up as Jesus, son of Joseph the carpenter. Their hearts were closed and even God was unable to pierce the barrier, when someone has erected an impenetrable wall. I didn’t condemn them.
How could they believe that the Messiah had been living in their midst from being a child. Logic took over their minds and they rejected me. I didn’t have time to argue or persuade. Again their reaction fulfilled the scriptures; a prophet won’t be accepted in his own town. It was a good feeling to be attending to my Father’s work. He had prepared me and I was ready.
The water was so inviting and we plunged into the gentle waves with abandonment, each splashing about with the joy of a young child. The warmth on my limbs and the echoing laughter bouncing off the water’s edge, bringing me instantly into my Father’s presence and His enjoyment in ours, was a tangible feeling. Life was good.
Peter was searching for driftwood with the intention of barbecuing the fish we had been given by a group of kind fishermen who had exceeded their expected catch. We had bread, fruit and olives; what a veritable feast. I looked up to heaven and gave thanks for my Father’s provision. Tired from our exertions, we crowded together on the white sand, allowing the sun to dry our healthy, brown, bodies.
That night as the sun went down, with appreciation, I examined each one of my disciples. They were happy, simple men, but God had chosen them for their hearts. I was satisfied He knew best and He had brought each of them into my life.
I knew that God would use each of their strengths to support my ministry. We sang songs well into the night and Peter and John led us in dance until the women drifted away, back to their homes, promising to meet us again tomorrow.
We were all looking forward to the wedding next week in Cana. It was a time of joy for the young couple who would celebrate their love, together with family and friends. We had arrived early and offered any help that was required. The open terrace was filled with tables and chairs; flowers adorned arches and every conceivable space in which they could be displayed.
Wedding at Cana
Mattia Preti, 1655 Thanks freechristimages.com
Their vibrant colours had a brilliant backdrop of bright sunshine and the aqua marine sky seemed to bow low and touch the bleached stone-covered earth which was worn smooth in anticipation of the dancing. Full wine skins for the guests to enjoy were placed in a coolish corner of the courtyard.
The celebrations were about half way through when my mother approached me with a very concerned expression on her lovely face. “Jesus, they have run out of wine!” I immediately understood the disaster of such an event.
The reputation of the host was at stake and he would be judged for his inaccurate calculations in providing too little to satisfy his guests. My mother expected me to solve the problem and as we always like to please our mothers….
I spotted six large stone water jars; normally they would be used for ceremonial purposes. “Fill them with water.” They held twenty to thirty gallons in each. When the jars were full, I told the servant to take some of it to the master of ceremonies. The water had been turned into wine, I winked at my mother and, with a slight incline of her head, she grinned uncontrollably. I think she was pleased!
My mother quickly made her way over to me; I grabbed her waist and whisked her around until she begged me to stop, pleading giddiness. I told her it was probably due to too much wine. Relaxed and tired, we headed away from the wedding venue to sleep under the stars. I crept quietly away from the others.
I needed to thank my Father for the thoughtful miracle. It was the first one of many. Some may say it wasn’t a very spiritual one but it was one that verified my Father’s desire to provide in all circumstances. It expressed the unlimited kindness of God’s heart. It confirmed to me that he wants to be involved in all that concerns His children. I felt warm and cared for. I felt safe and content. Raising my eyes to heaven, I uttered words of praise and love with a very thankful heart.
The day after the wedding we moved on. It encouraged me that crowds gathered wherever we went and I was able to open God’s heart and teach the truth that he longed for people to hear.
Carole Crossley
Chapter One – Jesus Leaves Home
Chapter Two – The Temptations of Jesus
Chapter Three – Jesus Looks for his Disciples
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