Interruptions of Jesus

 The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's 'own,' or 'real' life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life — the life God is sending day by day.—C.S. Lewis

Interruptions: to be stopped or hindered by others with remarks or questions.

From the start of his ministry to his death, Jesus couldn't finish a sentence, attend a dinner, a Wedding or even find time away without being interrupted.

When Jesus was teaching in a house, four friends couldn't get their paralyzed friend in, so they climbed up on the roof with him in tow. They decided to let him down from the roof. So, they tore a patch big enough to lift him down and because of their precious faith, Jesus healed him. Despite being interrupted in the middle of his talk, he took time for this man. Most of us would be startled by a man being lifting down in the middle of the room, but Jesus took advantage of this disruption and met the man right where he was.

When Nicodemus set out under the cover of darkness to talk to Jesus, he not only let him in, he engaged him in such a powerful conversation that he left believing. How often do we allow uninvited guests in at night? It's our time to rest and prepare for the next day. But not Jesus. He didn't turn him away, he invited him in.

Another time when they were out near the Mediterranean Sea; they were hoping for a little privacy and rest. When a knock on the door was heard. A Greek woman, who had discovered his whereabouts and was determined that Jesus should heal her demon-possessed daughter. Despite his seeming rebuff to her, she acknowledged her humble state and asked for whatever crumbs he had to offer her. With his heart of compassion for this woman of faith, he said to her, "Your daughter is healed."

Regardless for his deep need for privacy and rest, he agreed to see this Greek woman. By all accounts Greeks were untouchables to the Jews, but he took the opportunity to meet her needs.

There was that time when Jesus went to a wedding with his disciples. His mother was also there. When the wine supply had dwindled, Mary looked to Jesus. Despite his hesitation, Mary instructed the servants to follow Jesus' instructions. When the glass was presented to the Master of Ceremonies, he toasted the bride and groom for saving the best for last.

Despite him simply wanting to attend this wedding, he honored his mother by agreeing to perform his first miracle. He was so gracious in the face of all the intrusions in his life.

When Jesus had crossed over the by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd had gathered. One of synagogue rulers name Jairus came and fell at his feet pleading for his daughter's life. So, Jesus went with him. But at the same time a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years touched his robe. She then fell at his feet and he told her, "Daughter your faith has healed you."

While Jesus was still speaking, some men from the house of Jairus said, "Your daughter is dead." Ignoring what they had said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe." He entered the house and took the parents and the disciples with him and went in and said, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" And she did. How many interruptions has Jesus endured? Yet, it was his privilege to be interrupted. That's what he'd come to earth for.

How do we view interruptions? Are they a source of frustration or irritation? Maybe we should learn a lesson from Jesus… who valued disruptions and intrusions as a part of life. Who welcomed them because it was part of his mission. Is it a part of our mission too?

When Jesus was interrupted, he started where he was and helped those in need who were nearest to him. There is always another mission "out there"—the next cause, the next city, or the next country that seems to be the most important mission we could pursue. Jesus illustrates that our greatest mission is often the person in front of us. ― Dillon Burroughs