Recently, I have been very intrigued by how often Jesus was interrupted in His ministry. Several instances are recorded, and we can learn from Jesus’ responses. Often, Jesus could not make His way from one place to another without someone asking him to help them, causing a change in his plans.
Here are just a few: Jairus stopped Jesus, asking that he heal his critically ill daughter, and even that was interrupted by the woman with the issue of blood. There were the children, the blind, and those with leprosy that stopped Him on His way. Jesus was even awakened from His nap by His disciples, who were afraid of the storm raging around them.
This has me thinking: Did Jesus see these as interruptions? Do I respond like He did? I can see myself being irritated, looking at my watch, and trying not to show my exasperation! This happens to me in the store when the person ahead has issues, when I’m in traffic…the list continues.
Perhaps Jesus did not see these as interruptions at all. Trusting in God’s direction and intervention is the healthiest way to respond. None of these seemingly annoying interruptions are news to God! Could they be unforeseen opportunities for us to love someone well, to be Jesus “with skin on”?
Perhaps these interruptions are an opportunity for self-revelation. They uncover an awareness of the “yuck” of our impatience. They peel away our inability to see beyond ourselves.
As a society, we are so busy and distracted that we tend to react very poorly to being interrupted. Are we missing out on the opportunities to bless people that interruptions may present?
Something to ponder. Be interruptible!
~ Susan Kewin
Christ Fellowship