“While He was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knew before Him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, put your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, so did his disciples. Just then, a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of His cloak.” (Matthew 9:18-20 NIV)
Jesus had a ministry marked by interruption. I may have noticed an intrusion or two in previous trips through the gospel accounts, but today I am taken aback. Over and over again, everywhere Jesus goes and in everything He says and does, someone or something shows up with a pressing need.
In this instance, He’d been in the middle of teaching His disciples about fasting and the future, attempting to explain the new covenant when a synagogue leaders stumbles in, stricken by grief, begging Jesus to do something about his dead girl. Jesus no more than gets up to help the faith-filled father when a desperate, bleeding woman grabs Him by the garment. To our Savior’s credit, He’s not even a little annoyed, He’s ready to help. This isn’t just one or two occasions, but a repeating pattern of ministry. Jesus went where He was invited and responded eagerly to the people that placed themselves in His path.
This has dual application for us, the reader. First, we realize if we place ourselves in His path, if we call for His help and yearn to stay close, He’ll surely speak healing into our lives. He is at the ready, eager to intervene in our brokenness.
Second, we see that “Jesus got up and went with him, so did His disciples.” The disciples were just as effected by the change in agenda as Jesus was. They witnessed firsthand how interruptions are opportunities, unexpected moments to minister. This information asks us to re-examine our hearts in the space of interruption: are we annoyed or expectant?
My Old Testament Survey professor says “Pay attention the places where the text slows down, something important is taking place.” I wonder if the same could be noted in our daily lives, when we are slowed down, even still by circumstances or intrusion, something eternal might have opportunity if we’ll only be open to cooperate.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV)
Dear Lord, change our hearts. We can be so busy about our own agendas that we forget to be open to Yours. Forgive us. Helps us remember that the heavenly priority will always outweigh any earthly task we might muster up. Let us learn to delight in interruptions as You did, seizing them as divine opportunities. May we respond in those moments with the weighted attention the Kingdom calls for. Amen.