WATCHWORD:
39-42 Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman’s witness: “He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!” They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. He’s the Savior of the world!” John 4:39-42 The Message
5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Luke 19:5-9a
16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” […] 21b “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Matthew 27:16-17, 21b-22
Meditation:
Jesus Stayed
A touch of the Master will change lives. At Jacob’s Well and the nearby town, Jesus’ presence touched many and changed lives. Because Jesus stayed in the town and ministered, the people believed that He was the Messiah.
At the wedding in Cana, Jesus and his mother, Mary, came and celebrated. Because He stayed, His miracle of water to wine was known.
Because he stayed in Jericho one night at the home of the tax collector, that family was changed, and Salvation has come to this house.
The mob demanded Barabbas’ life for Jesus’ and the notorious man was saved from death. No further mentioned is made of him in the Bible. Josephus, the first century Biblical historian, writes that Barabbas, out of curiosity, may have followed the crowd to Golgotha. In my book, A Life For Barabbas, I picked up the story at that point, and projected a fictionalized life of redemption for this man. Here is a short passage from Chapter 5:
Barabbas looked back to the cross and realized that Jesus was now looking at him. Him! He was not mistaken. Their eyes met for a powerful moment. Jesus was not accusing him. No, it was as if he was recognizing Barabbas and accepted him as his friend. His friend?
Yes, but more than that. There was something in that look, in that glance. What was it? There was kindness in it, a warmth to it, maybe acceptance. No, it was more than that. It was as if Jesus was reaching out and touching him. From the cross, Jesus touched him!
Yes, my story is fiction, but it is a reasoned projection of how an individual’s life can be changed because of the touch of Jesus. Think about your own life and how it has been changed because of the presence of Jesus within you, body and soul. Think of the quality of your life because of what he brings to you through his graces, his gifts and his presence.
Throughout the Bible, there is story after story how the presence of Jesus, of Christ, in various forms and circumstance has shaped the world we now live in. We have a powerful and generous God who looks over us and after us. He has taken the time to shape each of our individual’s lives and granted us talents and gifts with which we can carry out the purpose he has for our lives. We are privileged children of God! Practice it! Amen and Amen.
The Inn on Jericho Road:
Contained within my soon-to-be-published book, The Inn on Jericho Road, is a helpful Chronology of Jesus and a map of the Holy Land, marking key points in Jesus ministry. These features and an awarded storyline makes this book a valuable addition to your library. In my research, I found these little known Biblical facts:
- The coming of Jesus is first suggested in Genesis 3:15,12:3, and Exodus 12:12-13
- The woman at the well who talked with Jesus had a name, and it is known – Photini. Chapter 3
- When Jesus moved to Capernaum he either bought or built his own home, Matthew 4:1-13
Come Lord Jesus:
Dear Jesus, Thank You for the daily invitation to meet with You. I know that You extend the opportunity for me to come to You every day. Whether I am in a good mood or a bad one, whether I am excited to read Your Word or dreading it, You are consistent. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You have removed the barrier of sin between us, and because you came into my heart and stayed, Your Holy Spirit lives within me and I trust in You. Thank You for forgiving me for the many sins I have committed in thought, word, and action. You looked down at me and did not leave me but came to my rescue instead. I praise You because I am made new in You. I thank You for loving me so much and inviting me into a relationship with You. Amen.
