Discovering the wonder and living with the conviction Jesus brings

By Dean Collins

He could have just left well enough alone. In some situations that’s probably wise. But in others, it’s better not to poke the bear. These days there seems to be a good bit of provoking going on every day. And sometimes we most likely need to mind our own business and not try and correct everyone and everything. One might think that Jesus would have had the same instinct when we was walking around on earth spreading the good news of the kingdom of God. And yet, sometimes he knew the time was right to prod a little, simply by stating the truth.

A sense of wonder

When Jesus came there was a lot of wonder. When Jesus arrives in any scene he brings a sense of wonder. He can make the hardest heart have a moment of pause, of possibility, of amazement. But some run from the wonder, with the result that they stay stuck.

In Luke’s Gospel we find many times when the presence of Jesus brought a sense of wonder and marvel. It started with his birth. In 2:18 the shepherds were directed by the angels and showed up at the manger. They had never experienced such wonder, and they couldn’t help but spread the good news of the birth of Jesus. Their testimony caused everyone who heard to wonder about this Christ child. In 2:33 Mary and Joseph had a sense of wonder and marvel at the words from Simeon and Anna.

In 2:41-52 everyone from Jesus’ parents to the rabbis as well as everyone in earshot had wonder and amazement at the things Jesus shared as a boy of just 12. So it shouldn’t surprise us that when Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth and did what he would have always done while growing up there, attending synagogue, there was once again wonder at what he read from the scroll and what he declared about the words he had just spoken.

An occasion for questions

On that day everyone around spoke well of him and marveled at the words that came out of this hometown boy’s mouth. Some of it might have been hometown pride and sweetness that we sometimes feel when a local kid makes us proud. But for some, the wonder was more. Jesus raised questions in people’s minds. He will always raise questions. And the wonder we have is not just about the questions. The wonder brings the possibility that Jesus is the answer to all the questions.

The wonder we have is not just about the questions.
The wonder brings the possibility that Jesus is the answer to all the questions.

And that’s when Jesus didn’t leave well enough alone. You might say he poked a little. Being Jesus, he knew what folks were wondering, so he just went ahead and put it out there. He quoted a proverb, “Physician, heal yourself,” and then he referenced two giants of Jewish fame, Elijah and Elisha. And in both cases, the point was that God was involved in and provided for Gentiles.

Jesus sent a clear message that he came for everyone. His life and ministry would demonstrate that while he would not exclude the rich, the famous, or the privileged, he was here to do exactly what he read from the prophet Isaiah, “to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Resentment and anger

If one is ready to embrace the Savior of the world, Jesus, then leaving our biases at the door will be essential. Jesus came for all. And sometimes that message generates hidden resentment and anger. It did the first time Jesus declared it. They attempted to rush God’s plan and simply throw Jesus off a cliff that day at the mere mention of it.

I’m pretty sure that faithful followers of Jesus shouldn’t go around agitating folks as an evangelism strategy. That isn’t consistent with the fruit of the Spirit or with the life of Jesus. But followers of Jesus must never become complacent and ignore the whole ministry of Jesus, especially his emphasis on preaching the good news to the poor and those the world has forever treated as disenfranchised.

As we walk with Jesus there will be many days of wonder. Our sense of wonder at this marvelous Savior will also bring conviction. And our conviction must lead to love for all people. Jesus will push us daily to be more like him. As our transformation continues, how we think and act will likely cause those around us to discover the wonder of Jesus and discover the one who loves them as well.

Your time with God’s Word
Luke‬ ‭4:17-30 ‭ESV‬‬

Photo by John-Mark Smith at unsplash.com

To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.
To download a printable version of today’s post, click here.