As we learn to carefully consider what we hear, it may benefit us to look at examples of others. We previously discussed how the writer of Hebrews painted a picture of those who did not consider what they had heard as having value and, therefore, did not combine it with faith. By way of contrast, it will now be worth exploring examples of those who demonstrated a response of faith.
The New Testament is full of stories of people who came to Jesus for a healing or a miracle, which he provided for them. But there are a few written accounts that absolutely amaze me. These are situations in which Jesus himself said that the people would receive what they requested because of their faith. Did you hear that? In these situations the Bible doesn’t say, “Jesus had compassion on him and healed him.” It says that in other places. It doesn’t say, “Go and be healed of your disease”. Again, that is in other passages. No, in the situations mentioned below Jesus told each of the people involved it was THEIR FAITH that brought about the result they were seeking.
- Woman with Bleeding (Mt 9.20-22; Mk 5.24-34)
- Roman Centurion (Mt 8.5-10; Lk 7.1-10)
- Syrophoenician Woman (Mt 15.21-28; Mk 7.24-30)
I have been spending a lot of time reading these stories and asking Holy Spirit to reveal what he was stirring in each person that prompted them to go to Jesus the way they did. While each situation was different and each need was unique there are few things they all have in common.
Each request broke a social/cultural norm. Each person had to step over a cultural boundary in making their request of Jesus. But this boundary was not a small risk; they were putting everything on the line. Imagine, the implications they faced!! Because they received what they requested I would guess there were no negative social consequences – or, if there were, the people certainly didn’t care any longer. But try putting yourself into their situation and consider the thought process they went through before they took the risk.
The woman with bleeding was considered unclean and, therefore, not allowed to be among a crowd in case she were to make everyone else ‘unclean’. In addition, devout men would have gone to great lengths not to bump into a woman to prevent becoming accidentally unclean. By forcing her way through a crowd to touch Jesus, this woman crossed several social boundaries.
The Roman Centurion faced great risk to his career and his ability to maintain authority over his subordinates. Ironically, this is the very understanding on which he based his request to Jesus.
The Syrophoenician Woman was a Gentile and, therefore, not considered part of God’s people; so not entitled to request anything of Jesus. Further, as a Gentile, she would not have been allowed to enter the home of a Law-abiding Jewish person. And, as a woman she was not considered of high enough standing for a Rabbi to speak with her.
Another thing they all have in common is, after the initial request, each person had a follow-up response to Jesus. While this may not sound like a big step, it was. Jesus was considered a Rabbi and the fact that so many people followed him and wanted to see him, his time was precious. We can glean from the Gospel writers that Jesus was quick in his decision-making, direct with his questions and not overly concerned about pleasing everyone. If someone had any hesitation in coming to him, a quick decision, a seemingly off-putting comment or a challenging question could have caused a person to second-guess their request. But none of these people faltered under Jesus’ initial response. They each responded to Jesus in a way that demonstrated to him they were operating in faith.
The way my mind works, it’s at this point I ask myself, what was going on in Jesus’ heart and his interactions with the Father as he listened to the person? What language of the Spirit did he recognise from each person? How did he move from agreeing to go to the Centurion’s house, to simply stating the man’s faith had granted him the request? What was Jesus listening for when he reminded the woman that children must eat before the pets? How did her response confirm that her heart was full of belief that he would grant her request? And, how did his awareness of power leaving his body connect with the woman’s faith that pulled on that power?
I’m fascinated with all these stories and the way in which they can help us consider carefully how we listen. Before these people approached Jesus they recognised something in what they heard about him or from his teaching. And their response to what they heard, while it took great personal risk, demonstrated a belief in HIM that was greater than their obedience to cultural boundaries and understanding of personal circumstances.