TEXT:
‘Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions’ – Luke 2:46
THOUGHT:
Surveys! The latest craze, particularly on-line ones. After any enquiry, complaint, purchase and delivery, companies and service-providers ask, “How did we do?”
My latest experience was when we needed a plumber to fix the central-heating boiler. Two days in a row the company informed us he could not come and re-arranged for the following day. Each time they also cautioned us we could face a £30 fine if we were not in for the appointment! On the third day the work was satisfactorily carried out and a day or so later the “Survey” phone call. When I pointed out the cancelled appointments and the £30 threat, the caller did not want to ask any more questions. All they were really looking for was another “5 stars” to boost the company’s rating.
Jesus asked questions to gather information and to understand what people were really thinking. Once He came alongside two depressed disciples and asked two simple questions, “Why are you sad?” and “What things?” Before long they were out of their depression and returning to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples that Jesus really was alive! See Luke 24:13-35 for the full account.
Part 1 of Today’s Teaching looks at three questions which relate to Jesus’ ability and our faith in Him to do what He says He will do.
- Do you want to be made well? – John 5:6
At first glance, this seems an unusual question to ask a sick person who was waiting with many others, all hoping to be the first in after the water was stirred. The one who managed that was healed. The lame man’s response to Jesus’ question was to explain why he had not been healed yet. So often we do that. We tell people why it has not happened, when in reality we may have given up all hope that it will ever happen at all.
It is a mystery too why Jesus only spoke to this man and not all the others, but no doubt once they knew how he had been healed, they would soon seek out a Jesus who could do such miracles! Jesus’ question was followed by a command, “Rise, take up your bed and walk”. Immediately the man was healed and did exactly what Jesus told him to do.
We all face the quandary of living in a body that we know will deteriorate and eventually die, yet at the same time want it to be healed. If you have been sick for a long time, find a quiet place and meditate on Jesus’ question, “Do you want to be made well?” Let hope rise in your heart and listen carefully to what Jesus tells you to do. Then in faith obey immediately and you too can be healed!
- Do you believe that I am able to do this? – Matthew 9:28
Two blind men followed Jesus crying out, “Son of David, have mercy on us”. It appeared Jesus ignored them and entered a house. They also entered and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes Lord” they replied. Immediately Jesus touched their eyes saying, “According to your faith let it be done to you.”
How do we react when it feels like Jesus is ignoring us? We are calling but He does not seem to be answering. The secret is to keep following. God’s faith in us says, “It’s yours!”, “God’s will is your healing!”, “God can do it and God wants to do it!” Keep following until you hear God say, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” From your heart say, “Yes Lord.” Then let Him touch the problem and you too will be healed.
- O you of little faith, why did you doubt? – Matthew 14:31
Being a disciple was not always easy, especially when they experienced hostility from religious groups and difficult situations Jesus allowed them to get into. One such occasion was when Jesus told them to row across the Sea of Galilee. They encountered a storm and saw someone walking on the water towards them. Thinking it was a ghost, fear gripped their hearts until Jesus called out to them. Peter wanted to check it really was Jesus. “Tell me to come to you”, he said. When Jesus said “Come”, Peter got out of the boat and walked towards Jesus. Then seeing to wind and waves he began to sink and shouted, “Lord save me!” Jesus stretched out His hand and guided Peter back into the boat. Then He asked, “Why did you doubt?”
Great faith believes, little faith doubts! Storms hit all of us from time to time. If you are in a storm right now, Jesus is coming towards you. You want to go towards Him but doubts and fears have arisen. See with the eyes of faith what Jesus is doing and then do the same. Together with Jesus, peace will come and silence the storm!
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