Amazement

Amazement in the biblical context often refers to a profound sense of wonder or astonishment, typically in response to the divine acts of God or the teachings of Jesus Christ. This reaction is frequently depicted in the New Testament, where the miraculous works of Jesus and the apostles evoke a deep sense of awe among the witnesses.

In the Gospels, amazement is a common response to Jesus' miracles and teachings. For instance, in Mark 1:27 , after Jesus casts out an unclean spirit, the people are described as being "all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, 'What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.'" This amazement is not merely a reaction to the supernatural but also to the authority and power inherent in Jesus' words and actions.

Similarly, in Luke 5:26 , after Jesus heals a paralyzed man, it is recorded, "Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, 'We have seen remarkable things today.'" Here, amazement leads to the glorification of God, highlighting the connection between witnessing divine acts and recognizing God's glory.

Amazement is also seen in the reaction of the disciples to Jesus' calming of the storm in Mark 4:41 : "They were terrified and asked one another, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?'" This passage illustrates how amazement can lead to a deeper inquiry into the nature and identity of Jesus.

Inquiry

Inquiry in the Bible often follows amazement, as individuals seek to understand the significance of the events they have witnessed or the teachings they have heard. This pursuit of understanding is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reflecting a desire to comprehend God's will and the mysteries of His kingdom.

In the Old Testament, inquiry is seen in the quest for wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 2:3-5 encourages believers to seek wisdom earnestly: "If you indeed call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." This passage underscores the value of inquiry as a means to gain spiritual insight and knowledge of God.

In the New Testament, inquiry is often directed towards understanding the teachings of Jesus. In John 3:9-10 , Nicodemus, a Pharisee, questions Jesus about being born again: "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. "You are Israel’s teacher," said Jesus, "and you do not understand these things?" This exchange highlights the importance of inquiry in grasping the deeper truths of Jesus' message.

The Bereans are commended for their spirit of inquiry in Acts 17:11 : "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." Their example demonstrates the virtue of diligently seeking truth through Scripture.

In summary, amazement and inquiry are interconnected themes in the Bible, reflecting the human response to divine revelation. Amazement often leads to inquiry, as individuals seek to understand and respond to the works and words of God. These themes encourage believers to approach their faith with a sense of wonder and a commitment to seeking deeper understanding through Scripture and prayer.