Jesus Welcomed Interruptions

                 I’m a “type A” personality.  I like things planned and organized.  My friends laugh at me because, even though I’m retired, I still have a “to-do” list each week.  Generally, I have my day planned and know exactly what I want to accomplish during those 24 hours.  Not surprisingly, I dislike interruptions or changes that upset my plans.  I have a schedule, and I expect to follow it.  Interruptions are distractions that I can do without.

                Fortunately, Jesus does not have my attitude towards interruptions.  As you read the Gospel accounts of His life here on earth, it was one interruption after another.  Yet, He never ignored the interruption.  He didn’t chastise the interrupter.  He didn’t even get upset.  Yes, He led a busy life and I’m sure that He had plans for each day, but that didn’t stop Him from taking time for the interruptions.

                In the Gospel of Luke, during three separate accounts, we see how He dealt with interruptions. 

                In Luke 4, He and the disciples had spent the day at the Synagogue, teaching and healing.  Afterward, they went to Simon Peter’s house, which was near the Synagogue.  They were most likely looking forward to a good meal and some downtime.  When they arrived, they found Simon’s mother-in-law sick with a fever.  Immediately, they asked Jesus to help her.  He took the interruption in stride and rebuked the fever which left her immediately.   Rest could wait when one of His closest companions needed Him. 

                A few chapters later in Luke 8, one of the Synagogue rulers begged Jesus to hurry to his home to heal his twelve-year-old daughter who was dying.  As Jesus left with the man, the crowds began to crush Him, probably excited to see what He might do next.  Then, suddenly, Jesus stopped and said, “Who touched me?” (vs.45).  To me that always seemed like a strange question.  After all, He is God, so I’m sure He knew exactly who had touched Him.  From a human standpoint, with so many people crowding around Him, I’m sure many people were touching Him.  He was concerned only with the one who had, in faith, sought His healing power.  Finally, the woman, who had suffered from an issue of blood for twelve years, fell at His feet and trembling, confessed that she was the one who had interrupted His journey.  Jesus didn’t chastise her.  He simply said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace” (vs. 48 NIV84). 

                While Jesus dealt with the woman’s interruption, someone came from the ruler’s house to announce that the girl had died.  That father’s first thought was probably that the woman’s interruption had cost his child her life.  Jesus wasn’t annoyed.  He said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (vs 50 NIV84), and she was.  Once more, the interruption didn’t faze Him.

                Finally, in Luke 13, Jesus interrupted Himself while He was teaching in the synagogue.  He saw a woman who was so crippled that she couldn’t straighten up.  Jesus saw her while He was teaching and called her forward.  With these words, He changed her life, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity” (vs. 12 NIV84).  She not only straightened up but began to praise God! 

                Jesus wasn’t bothered by interruptions.  He welcomed them.  So, why are we so bothered by them?  Perhaps, it’s because we live in a go, go, go society.  We expect everything to run on schedule, and we want service NOW.  We don’t have time for interruptions.  Only God knows what encounters and blessings we have missed by not taking time for interruptions.  If the Son of God was willing to interrupt His mission to minister to the sick and downtrodden, how much more should we be willing to interrupt our schedule to help others?  Maybe it’s time we take a hard look at our priorities.  I know that I need to.  How about you?

Luke 4: 38, 39

Luke 8: 43 – 48

Luke 13: 11 - 13

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