So, Jesus....How Was Your Weekend?

I'm not sure what your Saturdays usually look like. Mine are pretty relaxed--sleep in, spend time with friends, maybe read a book or catch a movie. Recently, I read a passage in Luke that describes a Saturday in Jesus' ministry (4:30-41). He had just arrived in Capernaum and began his day at the synagogue, teaching with authority that astonished his listeners. At some point in the sermon, a demon-possessed man interrupted Jesus, announced Jesus' messiahship, and threw himself on the floor. Jesus didn't miss a beat and immediately silenced the spirit, commanding him to leave the man. And that was His morning.

Next, Jesus headed to Peter's house, where he was introduced to Peter's sick mother-in-law. Jesus rebuked her fever and she promptly began serving as hostess. By dusk, word had spread throughout the town that a visiting rabbi had shaken up the synagogue and the spirit world. As the sun set and the sabbath concluded, sick and possessed crowds fill the streets outside Peter's home, anxious to be touched by this man with a power that makes darkness shudder.

By the end of the day, Jesus had healed everyone who came to him. My study Bible points out that he could have performed a "group healing" and gone to bed early. Instead, he tends to each person's need. Jesus "laid his hands on every one of them and healed them" (Luke 4:40).

What a beautiful picture of Jesus' ministry this passage paints. Both then and now, the broken and weak line the way to the only One who can help us, hope and hurt written across each face. We don't know much about him yet, but we know he is powerful and kind. Along with David, we can testify "that you, O God, are strong and that you, O Lord, are loving" (Psalm 62:11-12) Who is like Jesus? He confronts evil and sickness without reservation and with total victory. He takes time to teach and talk to people, and isn't just concerned with displaying his power and authority. And this was one day in his ministry! I am so impressed with Jesus--on Saturday and every other day!