Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
As I have been reading through the gospels lately, I have been paying more attention to what happens after Jesus performed miracles. Sometimes He told those who witnessed it not to say anything, sometimes He told them to go home and tell everyone about what happened and sometimes He let them travel on with Him. It sure stirs my curiosity. Let’s look at a few of them from Luke. The first one I want to look at is in Luke 8:52-53, 56
52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.
56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
This is one of those times where the parents, who were the only ones besides disciples to see the miracle, were told not to tell anyone about it. In the previous verses we read that lots of people, who were told to stay outside of the house, were weeping believing the girl to be dead. My initial interpretation of Jesus’ command has to do with what it says in verse 53 “and they ridiculed Him”. Sure, they will probably put two and two together and realize that Jesus had something to do with her being alive, but because of their unbelief and ridicule of Him they will not be able to partake in any of Jesus’ power or presence.
Let’s look at Luke 8:38-39:
38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
This is the story where Jesus healed the man who was possessed with a legion of demons. He really wanted to stay with Jesus, but Jesus insisted he go home and tell about all the great things that happened. Sure it would have been cool to travel with Jesus, but think about how many more people he affected by showing them his healed and delivered version. The earlier passage of that scripture says many in that area were filled with fear, but I am sure the more and more they saw that man sane and sharing what Jesus had done the more their faith was stirred up. Jesus barely had to step foot on land in this passage and the power of His name spread like wild fire.
The last passage is Luke 8:1-2:
1Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
I am sure this scripture is often overlooked but there is so much hidden in it. Think about all the practical needs that would arise for a group of 13 nomadic men. Missionaries today cannot do their work without financial support. And that is exactly what this scripture says these women provided. These were women that Jesus had healed and delivered and were then traveling with Him. Of course we know that Jesus is God and He owns everything, but He wanted us to know that He too came here with nothing, left with nothing and relied on others while He was here. God provided in various ways all throughout Jesus’ life, but He still needed a community to do the work with Him and provide the funds to make the work possible. It’s just another example of Jesus humbling Himself and showing us the way.
Final Thoughts…
The next time you find yourself reading through some of Jesus’ miracles pay particular attention to what happens “behind the scenes”. There is nothing cookie-cutter about Jesus. He loves showing us all the different ways He can answer prayers, bless our socks off and leave us wanting more. Each one of these stories reminds me that God’s ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are not my thoughts. He is the Creator of creativity, and He loves leaving new paint strokes on the canvas.