Little People Included

Wednesday March 4, 2015

In his book Simply Jesus, theologian N.T Wright writes, "When God does big things, the little people get drawn in too." One of my favourite examples of this is found in the book of Matthew.

Early in his gospel account, Matthew summarised the spectacular things that had been happening wherever Jesus went : "Jesus travelled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness" (Matthew 4:23). 

Later, Matthew repeated this summary, with nearly identical wording (9:35). This time, however, he added the words, "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (v.36).

Jesus was a busy man with a big agenda, spreading the good news about the kingdom. Through Him, God´s kingdom was arriving on earth as it was in heaven. That which was broken was starting to be fixed, as represented by all the physical healings. Big things were happening, and yet Jesus never lost sight of "little people".

We live in a world that is preoccupied with many agendas, with many people too busy to notice the distress of the "little people" or too desensitised to care. Yet, the New Testament shows us that Jesus didn´t look away. He saw inner suffering and the deepest needs of all people. 

The fact that Jesus saw and had compassion gives me hope when I feel distressed and helpless. He sees what no one else may see. And as Matthew goes on to record, Jesus beckons and says, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Little people included. - Jeff Olson

Read
Matthew 9:35-37
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

Matthew 9:18-34
While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." Jesus got up and went with him, and 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. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."
Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
When Jesus entered the ruler´s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region.
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"
When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
"Yes, Lord," they replied.
Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

Question to Ponder
What burden or need can you bring to Jesus today?
Who are the "little people" in your life who could use some loving encouragement?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Mar 2015 - May 2015