Fearless Faith

Numerous scriptural references allude to crowds forming whenever Jesus was nearby. The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) share common themes and formats in relating stories surrounding Jesus’ three-year ministry. The Gospel of John shares many of the same stories but uses more original material. One telling difference with John is that the author refers to miracles as signs. Jesus is also presented as a mystic. Mystic or not, all was not well for Jesus as the pressures of ministry mounted.

While crowds presented great opportunities for teaching, they also demanded much energy from Jes...