I’ve made an interesting observation the past few weeks while studying Jesus’ life in the Gospel of Luke. It is interesting to me to see the pattern of how Jesus worked in the lives of those he helped. Here is the pattern:
1) Jesus is willing to help someone…
2) He asks them to do something specific…
3) The individual obeys…
4) Jesus blesses that obedience with incredible blessings.
As you start this Monday morning, take the remainder of this minute just to consider these quick stories. I’ve made them brief.
How Jesus Works
Luke 6:6-11 — A man with a withered hand worships in the synagogue near Jesus. Jesus sees it. He asks the man to get up and stand in the middle of the crowd. He does. Here’s the pattern: 1) Jesus sees the man could be healed; 2) Jesus asks him to hold out his withered hand; 3) The man obeys; 4) As he exercises faith and holds out his withered hand, he is healed by Jesus.
Luke 5:17-25 — The crowd presses in from every direction as Jesus teaches. Because four friends could not get their paralytic friend inside to Jesus, they hoist him up on the roof, take part of the roof off, and lower their friend down to where Jesus was teaching. Jesus immediately recognizes their great faith and forgives the man’s sins. The Pharisees complain. Therefore Jesus decides to heal the man as well. Here’s the pattern: 1) Jesus determines to heal the man and teach the Pharisees at the same time; 2) Jesus asks the man to stand up and walk; 3) The man obeys; 4) As he exercises faith and begins to get up, he is healed by Jesus.
Luke 5:5-8 — Simon and Andrew sit in their boat with Jesus. Jesus has just finished teaching. Notice the pattern: 1) Jesus determines that He will bless them with fish even though they fished all night and caught nothing; 2) Jesus asks them to launch out deeper and drop their nets; 3) Simon and Andrew row a bit deeper and throw their net; 4) As they exercise their faith, Jesus fills their nets with fish – so many that James and John had to come over to help them gather them all.
Will You Exercise Your Faith This Week?
As we begin a new work day and week, will you exercise your faith this week?
If you know what Jesus would have you to do, will you trust and obey Him?
What keeps you from taking the first step of obedience which then allows Jesus to bless you?
In your life, Jesus works in similar ways. Will you trust Him and exercise faith?
Image Credit Daniel Reche
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
