The Unknown Disciple and My Present
The Unknown Disciple
Think of the night before Jesus was crucified. His disciples were busy focusing on the soon coming kingdom and failed to be there for Jesus when He really needed them (Last Supper, Garden of Gethsamane, His arrest).
Long before that night Jesus met a new disciple, a little beggar boy, who he befriended and kept from being beaten and chased away as Jesus and the disciples were going to eat at the home of a Pharisee. He had asked Jesus if he fed and watered their donkeys if he could have a little bread if there was any left over. When the Pharisee's head servant raised a stick to hit the child Jesus took hold of the stick and said the child was with Him.
Jesus learns that the child had been quite sickly when he was younger. His parents spent all they had on doctors. Then one day they disappeared. Some say they tired of caring for a sick child. But more likely they were sold as slaves because they could not pay their Roman taxes. Because of his many illnesses the child was worthless and left for the Jews to care for or let die.
When asked his name he replies, "I don't know." The disciples snicker. They wait for Jesus to lay hands on him and heal him. But he doesn't. Strange.
I will call you "Little one."
"Sir, can I give you a name, too?"
"Sure."
"I will call you pa."
That was it. The disciples could not restrain their laughter anymore. Everyone had a good laugh and then went in to eat. Little one came in after feeding and watering the donkeys.
A couple days later they stopped by Jesus' mother's home. Jesus came out with a small coat of many colors and handed it to little one. Little one was so excited. He put it on and was so proud. The disciples looked at each other worriedly. Remembering the story of Joseph. And of David, the least of his brethren who eventually became a king. Could this child who was not quite right eventually inherit the kingdom that Jesus would establish one day instead of one of them?
But their fear soon left. Little one was no threat to anyone. He was content to do the stuff no one else would do. He gathered firewood, washed feet, carried burdens when others asked him to. And he was always happy. He didn't realize when others didn't care about him or were taking advantage of him.
But there was one thing little one excelled at. He had a knack of understanding parables easily. The disciples figured the reason it was so easy for him was because Jesus spoke them so simply only a simple-minded person could understand them without dissecting searching for hidden truth and deeper meaning.
Well, this is little one's background. He was at the Last Supper. At the end of the meal little one was dragging a bucket of water up the stairs to wash feet. Jesus saw what he was doing and asked if this time he could do. Little one told Him sure. Little one always did what Jesus said.
In the Garden of Gethsamane little one sat quietly in a tree (his secret place) and watched Jesus pray. He didn't understand why He kept asking His Father to let the bitter cup pass. After watching Jesus try to wake His disciples up a couple times little one climbed down and began to talk to Jesus.
He tells Jesus when he was younger his parents used to make him drink his medicine from a special cup. The medicine tasted really bad but it did make him better.
"Pa, if you drink the bitter cup everything will be okay."
"Yes, little one, you are right. Everything will be okay."
Jesus smiles at His littlest disciple, thankful He had one who was there for Him.
Later, as Jesus was being arrested, the disciples were ready for the revolution to begin. They would fight to the death if necessary. But when Jesus said not to fight but to surrender they all ran away from Jesus. Except for little one. He ran to Jesus and threw his arms around Him.
"No, don't hurt my pa."
"Little one, it is time for me to take my medicine. You must run away and find the other disciples. Tell them I will see them in a few days."
As always little one obeyed. A couple soldiers grabbed for him. One got hold of his coat but little one wiggled out of it and ran away in his undies.
Tears streamed down his face. For his pa, for his coat, and for the medicine Jesus had to take.
.....peace.....
My Present
There are no unimportant people in the kingdom of GOD. Everyone, no matter how messed-up they have been or are, belong. You may not seem to have much to offer in the way of talent, ability, or skills. You simply have given your heart to Jesus. But doesn't GOD want or need more?
In a poetic exchange recently I borrowed the "mispelling" of presence(presents) by a poet in my reply to her.
Your presents is a gift
Uniquely one of a kind
Something I will always treasure
As I learn your heart and mind
Yesterday I saw this verse used in a group setting of believers.....
Romans 6:13(NASB) and do not go on (presenting) the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but (present) yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
My heart is my gift to GOD. My presence (presents) is a gift to Him, uniquely one of a kind. Something He will always treasure. As I learn of Him (Matthew 11:28-30) I also learn the truth about myself. I am so special that the Son of GOD gave His life on the Cross so I could live.
I am no longer bound to the abusive relationship of sin like I once was. I now freely choose to give my heart to the One who has always truly loved me. This is my present to Him.
.....peace.....
Comments
- -- Posted by swift on Wed, Apr 20, 2011, at 3:27 PM
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