Walking Towards Jesus

 

One of my strengths is making connections between passages of scripture and creating applications from the themes that connect them. This is one example of this that has been so real in my life recently. In this writing I look briefly at 3 interactions of Jesus with people:  Jesus cleansing 10 lepers, the father of the demon-possessed boy interacting with Jesus, and the conversation Jesus had with His disciples about the “rich young ruler”. I’m pulling a common thread through these 3 and applying that theme to how we can respond to Jesus.

Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19

There were 10 lepers, who, when they saw Jesus, cried out to Him for mercy. Jesus saw them and instructed them to go and show themselves to the priests. The text says in verse 14, that “as they were going, they were cleansed.”. In the following verse it says that one of the men returned to Jesus when he realized that he was healed. He came and fell down before Jesus to thank and praise Him. This was Jesus’ response to that man; “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.” Of the ten lepers who were cleansed that day, only one interacted with Jesus. The one who came back got more than the other nine, who continued on their way. Jesus commended the man who returned for his faith. Jesus said that his faith made him well.  Nine were cleansed of leprosy. The tenth man was both cleansed and made well.  I believe that Jesus responded to the man’s gratitude. Jesus too praised God for the power displayed to cleanse men of leprosy. The desire of this one man to return to Jesus to give thanks and to praise God, caught Jesus’ attention and as a result this one man received an additional blessing and gift from Jesus Himself.

 

Faith AND Doubts

Mark 9:14-29

Here Jesus is confronted by a father who is desperately seeking freedom for his young son who is possessed by an evil spirit. The man had previously brought his son to the disciples of Jesus who were healing and doing miracles. Jesus’ disciples tried to help the boy, but were unsuccessful. Even as the father brought his son to Jesus and was talking to him, the demonic spirit threw the boy into a convulsion and he lay, writhing on the ground. The man pleaded with Jesus in verse 22, “if you can do anything, have pity and help us”.  The father is questioning Jesus’ ability and willingness to help. Remember the disciples had tried and failed. But Jesus’ response to the father turns the focus onto the father. Jesus tells him that “all things are possible for those who believe”. So, the determining factor is not the willingness or power of Jesus, but rather the faith of the father! I love the honesty of the man’s words in verse 24; “I do believe; help my unbelief.” This man had both faith and doubt. He wasn’t shy about admitting that he had doubts and unbelief, but he also declared his faith. This man was desperate for the cleansing of his son. He asked the disciples, and he watched them try, but he didn’t give up when they failed. He bought his son to Jesus, and when Jesus made His response conditional on the father’s faith, the man boldly brought his faith and doubt and presented them to Jesus. The man received exactly what he was asking for; the cleansing and freedom of his son!

 

Sell – Give  -  Follow

Mark 10:17-27

There is so much that can be written about this passage; it is rich in truth and application. The aspect of it that stands out to me in connection with the previous two passages is the ending conversation between Jesus and His disciples. Jesus is discussing with them the interaction He just had with the “Rich Young Ruler”. Jesus tells the disciples more than once that what He asked of the man was exceedingly difficult. Jesus goes as far as saying it was impossible. In case His listeners are unsure of what He means by “impossible”, Jesus compares it to fitting a camel through the eye of a needle.  An impossible feat to be sure! The disciples begin to wonder what to make of these statements Jesus has made. He has instructed the rich man to go sell his possessions, to give the money to the poor and to follow Jesus. The rich man turned and walked away and Mark writes that it is because the man had many possessions. As the disciples continue to question Jesus about the difficulty for the rich in entering the kingdom of heaven, they finally give voice to their deepest question; “Who then can be saved?” Jesus’ reply in verse 27 is extreme: “with man this is impossible, but now with God; all things are possible with God.”.

The rich man had come to Jesus asking what he must do to be assured of eternal life. As Jesus answered, the man found that he had met the requirement since he was young. Jesus doesn’t disagree with this, but rather tells him that one thing only he lacks. Then he gives the invitation mentioned above to sell his possessions, give to the poor and come follow Jesus. The promise Jesus gives is that this will assure the man of having treasure in heaven.

Jesus recognizes and admits to the disciples how difficult this is for the man to do. It is impossible in Jesus’ estimation. And yet, Jesus tells His disciples that with God ALL things are possible!  The man had walked away by that point. He chose not to accept Jesus’ invitation to go, sell, give and follow. Jesus knew what He was asking was impossible, but He was also available for helping make it possible. 

 

Walking Towards Jesus

I’m learning that the most important thing is to be walking towards Jesus. When your prayers are answered and you’re walking in freedom; bring Him your praise and gratitude. Keep returning to Jesus, believing that He has more for you.

When you are disappointed, when what you’re trying is failing; come to Jesus. Bring your imperfect faith and present it to Him. Don’t let your doubts disqualify the faith you do have, bring it along and surrender it to Jesus.

Ask your questions. Listen to the answers and ask again. Stand on your strengths and keep asking for more. When it feels impossible, don’t walk away from the invitation to more and greater things. Keep focused on Jesus, He is your answer. If what He is asking of you seems too difficult, even impossible, ask Him to help you. Stand in the faith that you have and ask boldly for all that He has.

 

I believe that is in walking towards Jesus that we receive His fullness. He doesn’t force us and we can always turn and walk away. In staying with Him we have the potential of gaining more. In drawing closer to Him we add the wealth of His potential to what is already ours. He is the source and as we rely on Him, His power turns impossibility into reality.

Our praise and gratitude only increases the blessing and abundance we receive from Him!