What is Good fruit? It is lives changed. It is hearts turned to God. It is comfort for the poor and the afflicted. It is revival in our communities. It is faith handed down from generation to generation. It is healings. It is signs and wonders. In short, the world is different because you were in it and Christ was in you.

This week in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus touches a leper and heals him. But here is the thing, lepers were, well, kinda gross. So, Jesus touching this guy is a big deal.

This week in Matthew 22:15-22, we hear Jesus say the famous line, "repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." Sounds awesome. But what does it mean?

when I read the Word of God, I am formed in and informed by the voice of God. I can't help but see that the Lord "opposes the proud.” (James 4:6) I learn that "with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2) I see that as a believer, I am called to "love my neighbor as myself.” (Mark 12:31) By consuming Christ, I know how I am to walk and bring the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ with me. By confronting the Word of God, I am prepared to confront this moment.

“I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

This is a verse I think of often. Christ came that we might have full, abundant lives in him. But what does that mean? To gain insight, we need to look at the proceeding verses.

Peter and John did not run to the tomb that morning to celebrate the Ressurection. They were shocked by what Mary had told them, so they went to see it for themselves.