One of the things that is highlighted throughout the Gospels is the contrasting responses to Jesus. In some cases, Jesus is rejected and ridiculed and in others he is adored and trusted. Faith is, of course, the thing he loves to see and delights in it when he sees it. The woman who touched his garment did not want to draw attention to herself. And, like the centurion of chapter 7, she didn’t want to bring trouble on Jesus. She was considered unclean because of her condition and she did not want Jesus to have to touch her. She was a woman of faith, however, and she believed that Jesus could and would heal her. When Jesus demanded that he meet this woman she was terrified, perhaps thinking she was in trouble. It was quite the opposite. Jesus wanted to commend her. He wanted what she had done to be recorded and remembered because Jesus loves that kind of faith. A lifetime of great ministry achievements could not compete with this delightful act of faith in pleasing Jesus. God is not asking any great thing of you today. He isn’t asking for great spiritual labour and onerous religious activity. He just wants you to trust him; to have faith. He loves it when we walk forwards with him with full confidence that he will make a way for us to fulfil our purpose. He loves it when we face obstacles, and needs, and challenges with an unwavering confidence that he will make a way through. In fact, he lets us face these challenges so our faith can shine forth. Jesus loves faith.
Where do you need to exercise some faith at the moment?
Read Luke 8:40-56
