When Jesus taught in parables, He was actually making it a little harder to understand what He was teaching.  Why would He do that? The blessings of Jesus are not found in satisfying our expectations.  They are hidden, only to be uncovered when we see clearly. 

The Pharisees really didn’t like tax collectors, but Jesus saw things differently. As a result, He accomplished extraordinary things.

Peter, John, and James woke up to see Jesus transfigured. The appearance of His face had altered, His clothing had become dazzling white, and He was speaking with Moses and Elijah. This was a huge deal for many reasons.

We are all going to say something silly or make a big mistake. The opportunity Jesus gives us is not to avoid it but to learn from it, discovering something even greater in the process.

Do you know what it feels like to not quite fit in? I have good news:  you don’t have to. What matters is that God chose you.

No one in the Samaritan village of Sychar particularly wanted to talk to the approaching woman. Then she said something unexpected: “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did.  Can this be the Christ?” When we encounter Jesus, He changes us. As others see that change, they just might check Him out themselves.

The disciples could not believe their eyes.  Jesus was speaking to a Samaritan woman.  They wanted to ask, “Why are you talking to her?”  If they had learned to desire accomplishing God’s will above all else, they would have known why.  In fact, they probably would have spoken, too.

She could not believe her ears when the man sitting next to the well spoke to her.  Did he really just ask me for a drink?  Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.  Yet, this is Jesus.  He is the Christ.  He alone has the words of eternal life.  If we learn Him, we will speak these words, too.

No one would have expected much from Jesus’ chance encounter with a hurting Samaritan woman. With an encouraging heart and gracious words, He turned the smallest moment into one with eternal impact.  If we will let Jesus teach us how to encourage, we can, too.

As we continue becoming more like Jesus, we will SEE THE POTENTIAL in each other and in the little things we do each day in 2020 to bring, rejoice, and work together.