Sometimes it is difficult for us to understand and believe God is actually concerned about us and the details of our lives. There are billions of people on the planet, most with needs that might seem more significant than our own, and many who may seem more worthy of God’s attention. Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, came here to ensure we would learn how untrue those feelings are as He came to “dwell among us” (John 1:14). Consider three occasions of Jesus interacting with very unspectacular people.
In Matthew 8:1-4, Jesus touched the leper who came to Him for healing. Jesus healed others without touching them, but this leper believed Jesus could heal him if He was willing. Jesus said He was willing, touched Him, and healed him. Jesus touched an “untouchable,” a man who perhaps had not had a meaningful touch from someone in a long time. The leper would have had to warn others not to come near him, yet, Jesus touched him.
Consider also the “woman caught in adultery” from John 8:3-11. The Scripture does not simply say she was an adulteress, but that she was caught in the very act of adultery. The Law said she should be stoned to death, and those who brought her to Jesus were demanding it. Jesus did not condemn this woman, but rather, said she should change the sinful pattern of her life. He did not speak words of condemnation, but words of transformation.
Then in Luke 24:13-35, Jesus was walking with two men from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were both feeling confused and discouraged following Jesus’ death, so Jesus explained to them everything about Himself from the scriptures. After arriving at their home, He stayed with them long enough for a meal. As He broke the bread, they realized who He was and He immediately vanished from their sight. He probably spent hours with these two men. These men were not special people of position or power. In fact, they were so ordinary, we do not even know their names. We do know, however, they were distraught, and Jesus cared enough about them in their confusion and grief that He spent hours with them that day.
The Bible makes it clear that if we need a touch, Jesus is willing to give us touch. If we need a word of forgiveness, restoration, and hope, Jesus is willing to give us that word. And, if we need to spend time with Him, have Him explain to us things we do not understand, and encourage our hearts with His truth and His presence, Jesus is willing to spend the time to do just that.
The Scripture makes it plain that He will do these things, and LIFE makes it plain that we need Him to do them! We need His touch for the spiritual, emotional, and physical infirmities of our lives. We need His word of forgiveness, restoration, and hope. We need the great gift of His presence, walking on our roads with us, sharing His truth, and fellowshipping with us in life. We need all of this. And Jesus has already proven that He is willing to do all we need.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.