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The Frog and the Fox

One of Aesop's Fables is titled The Frog and the Fox, or the Toad and the Fox in some editions. The short story is about a frog that declares he has the ability to heal any ailments within the animal kingdom. Upon hearing this audacious claim, the fox replies, "If you can heal any ailment, why do you look like that?" The fox pointed out the sickly complexion of the amphibian, and the fact that his mobility was limited to merely hopping. 

Aesop wrote his fables around 620-564 BC, so they were in circulation and popular in the days that Jesus walked the earth. It is believed that the fox's clever insult to the frog gave birth to the Jewish proverb, "Physician, heal yourself." Jesus quoted those words in Luke 4:24, saying to the congregants in the synagogue, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself.' What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well."

The proverb is one of skepticism, as if to say, "If you really are who you say you are, prove it." Jesus knew the people in Nazareth rejected His claim to be their Messiah because they had watched Him grow up. He was Joseph's boy, a carpenter. How could He be sent from God?

It is a shame these people missed out on the only begotten Son of God because they were cynical, looking at Jesus the way the fox looked at the frog. That is not to say we cannot have questions, but Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please God without faith. People that want to reject Jesus will always find a way to, even after He feeds the multitudes, heals the sick, walks on the water, and raises the dead. We don't need signs from heaven, we just need to believe the record we have been given. 

If you have sincere questions, don't be afraid to ask. There will always be some things about the Lord that are above our pay grade, and a little faith goes a long way with that. The frog might not have been able to heal the animal kingdom, but we can trust Jesus because He is the Creator of the frog and the fox.

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