Grow Barefoot: The Bible Series

As it has been with the previous three, the fourth episode of The Bible series didn't disappoint. Seeing the familiar stories acted out made me think some new thoughts. For example,

Can you imagine sitting down around Jesus to listen to Him teach?

What kind of conversations transpired between Jesus and the disciples around the fire each night?

The Word Made Flesh read the words of Isaiah, the prophet. Yet He didn't need to read it as He knew every mark, every meaning, every word because He is the Word Made Flesh.

Also, in this scene, the Word Made Flesh asked us to accept the Word of God. Such a holy irony exists in that statement.

Would I have climbed out of the boat to walk on the water to Jesus as did Peter?

I was inspired and motivated as the disciples talked among themselves; they were trying to figure out what the whole plan with Jesus was going to include. One of them asked the others, "Why are we here? To take the easy path?" I think us modern-day disciples could ask each other the same question.

In the movie, Judas asked Caiaphas as they arranged to arrest Jesus, "What's in it for me?" These words echo the halls and sanctuaries of many of our churches today. We don't have a relationship with Jesus while we ask, "What's in it for me?" That is how we betray Jesus.

True to its name, the fourth episode of The Bible on The History Channel showed us much of the mission of Jesus.

Jesus' Mission - Grace and Forgiveness

Jesus forgave the sins of an invalid, denied judgment on a woman caught in adultery, and called the tax collector to follow Him. God's grace extends to all.

Jesus' Mission - Trust God

The movie reminded us that "Our Father in heaven feeds the birds in the air, how much more will He give you?"

Jesus walking on water was epic in the movie. But I found myself thinking as Peter crawled out of the boat to join Him, "Don't look down, Peter! Don't take your eyes off Jesus!"

Jesus fed 5,000 and then proclaimed, "Put God first and everything else will follow. Hunger for righteousness and be filled through Him." As Jimmy wrote on our Facebook page, "People are hungry for hope. Hungry to be fed... spiritual food."

Jesus' Mission - Show Compassion

Jesus healed the ear of the soldier which Peter had removed with his sword. Jesus' compassion is available for all - even the soldier who came to arrest Him. Would I extend compassion to such a one as that?

Jesus' Mission - He is God

"I am the way, the truth , and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6 NIV).

"I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25 NIV).

Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you think I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:16 NIV).

This is why I laughed when they said the line, "Nothing good ever comes from Galilee." I don't know if more incorrect words have ever been spoken; the Savior of the world came from Galilee.

Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey; He then proceeded to clean out the temple as it had become a den of thieves. He's going to do this again at the Second Coming - what a day that will be! The next days of Jesus' life He taught in Jerusalem - He was questioned and inspected. The people may not have known it but they were inspecting their Passover Lamb to make sure He was free from defect.

This week's episode was a little different than the rest as it all focused on the mission of Christ. Therefore, this article has been a little different as well. But I'd still love to discuss it with you. Leave your thoughts and questions below.