Turned Tables

Let’s return to the well-known and frequently spoken of incident, where we see tables turned, in relation to a man’s faith talk and faith walk.  I don’t think that anyone would gainsay the fact that the tables have been turned around. Normally, the response of marvel, is with people, concerning the words and works of Jesus. 

As we return to the particular mission before us, we are reminded of the main Scripture, which depicts a turned table, where marvel is concerned.  

When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! Luke 7: 9

One of the pictures that this verse captures of Jesus, is His pure, unarguable humanness. Jesus, Son of Man, is able to marvel at human speech. It is the talk of faith that amazes, thrills and warms His big heart. Interestingly also, we stand with Jesus as He does not only marvel at what He has just heard, but He turns to the crowd following Him and speaks about it. In other words, this marvellous thing is too great, too grand, too precious, too heart-warming and too special to keep to Himself. Jesus has to speak about it right then and there to all who are within hearing range.

Is this not true of us also, we who carry real, unadulterated human nature? Here’s a scene for you. We are with friends and something grabs our attention, causing us to be in wonder and awe. It is something most marvellous, whether it’s what we have just seen or heard. We are so held by it, we can’t contain ourselves and just have to share it, right where we are. Is that not what we are seeing of our Jesus?

One question that’s slowly raising its obvious head is this. How often do we know this kind of marvel, pertaining to the words and works of Jesus? If and when we are captured by them, are we compelled and propelled to speak about them? Understand clearly, this is not about the ordinary fancies and passing excitements which hold us for a moment and we are in no way changed. Absolutely not! These are marvels which literally change our ways of thinking and doing. These are wonders which leave us totally hung on and attached to Jesus, in greater resolved and stubborn faith.

Right now, even in this time of receiving, will we marvel at what we see and hear of Jesus our Master? Will there be any noticeable life-change in heart and mind, speaking and doing, giving and receiving? Let’s delve deep into the main Bible text, assured that there is Godly, Spirit-engendering changes for all who will receive. 

The first word that comes to us as we are fixed on Jesus is this. His marvelling has come from what He has heard. When Jesus heard these things. What things have Jesus heard? Let’s go back a bit and get the time and place in which this has all taken place.

Jesus has entered Capernaum, and a certain centurion, whose dear servant was very ill and about to die, hears of Jesus. The centurion sends for Jewish elders, people to whom he has shown great goodwill, even helping to build them a synagogue, and seeks a request of them. He asks them to go to Rabbi Jesus, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. Luke 7: 3b. Jesus hears the pleas of the centurion, through second-hand voices. However, these are not the things that cause Jesus to marvel, the things which amaze Him. You would think that a Gentile, who does not know Him, who has never seen Him, and who has only just now heard about His authority to heal people, seeking healing from Him, would amaze Jesus. No! It does not!

Think deeply and seriously about this! Jesus does not marvel that a non-Christian believes in His power to heal and asks Him for healing.

Indeed! This must be pursued further.