FROM THE EDITORS August 22, 2005 Issue

THE INVISIBLE MADE VISIBLE

JESUS CAME TO REVOLUTIONIZE the world. And in so many ways he did. He upended religious and political systems. His influence has continued throughout the centuries.

Yet over the last two millennia, Jesus' followers have learned that paradoxes abound in his teachings. For example, he taught that when we give to others, we receive; when we renounce material riches, we gain true wealth; when we unselfishly love another, we feel embraced in love ourselves; and that real strength lies in gentle meekness.

Perhaps the profoundest lesson from Jesus' ministry lies in his method of healing. Rather than relying on material remedies, therapies, or a specific system of physical healing, Jesus cured "multitudes," as well as individuals. And with no delay. How? For centuries theologians and ordinary students of the Gospels have answered this question in a variety of ways. They've argued, for example, that perhaps Jesus had special powers because he was the Son of God. Or that perhaps his healing ministry was part of a larger, overall "mystery" of God's design.

Send a comment to the editors

This is the end of the issue. Ready to explore further?

Online features Audio