The Journey, Part 19: the Welcome

Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida. But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing. (Luke 9:10-11 NASB)

The twelve had recently returned from the Journey of Obedience and given a full report of their work to Jesus, who listened to every detail. They likely savored the work of God as they talked, but Jesus soon called them back to the present need. His time was limited and He needed to be about the business of redeeming mankind. "Let's go to Bethsaida," He said, and they headed out. 

Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Philip had all lived in Bethsaida in their younger years, so it was home for them. They may have looked forward to seeing friends and family again, but there wasn't much time for reunions. The crowds of people who followed Jesus soon realized where Jesus was headed and followed Him there. When they arrived, Jesus did the most beautiful thing imaginable. He greeted the crowd and welcomed them. 

Selah. Pause and consider. 

The Son of God was pursued by the crowd. The disciples may well have been tired from their trip, and Jesus was likely tired from having to minister without the assistance of the twelve, but fatigue did not stop Jesus. He looked at the crowd and was glad to see them, even though the crowd meant more teaching, more sick people, more need, more healing. 

The word translated as "welcoming" is apodechomai and is a little surprising at first glance. It literally means "to accept" or "to receive" or "to receive heartily". Jesus was not just being polite. He accepted the crowd, receiving them just as they were. Jesus did not require them to change their ways, clean up their acts, or offer sacrifices first. They came to Jesus with all their need and all their sin, and Jesus was glad to see them. He was not just glad to see them, though. He received them heartily. 

How could the One who never sinned heartily accept and welcome a crowd of people who were full of sin and need?  He could accept them because He loved them. He is full of grace and mercy and willingly gave of Himself to those who did not deserve it.  They were people who were as flawed as we ourselves and yet He loved them, and He loves us, as well. 

Although we are flawed, full of need, full of sin, our Lord still loves us, still accepts us, and still welcomes us just as we are. Do you have a longing for a deeper relationship with our Lord? Are you holding back because you feel unworthy or fear He will reject you? There is no need for delay. Just as He welcomed the crowds, our Lord will welcome you. He will greet you with apodechomai, heartily receiving you with whatever you bring to Him. 

A Demon Comes to Church, part 2

In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, (Luke 4:33 NASB)

The story of this demon-possessed man is not included by accident. There are multiple lessons to be drawn from this pasage, but today we will look at the response of the Capernaum congregation. You may remember that the Nazareth congregation was so filled with murderous rage by Jesus's teachings that they tried to throw him off a cliff. The  Capernaum group seems to be of a different mindset. They have a shouting, demon-possessed man in their midst, and apparently no one throws him out, no one tries to quieten him, no one moves against him at all. In a village as small as Capernaum, they certainly knew him, but no one blocked his entrance to the synagogue.

Think about this a minute. How likely is it that a demon-possessed man would even want to go to the synagogue? Undoubtedly, it was previenient grace that drew him there, but it seems that he went to synagogue that day knowing he would be allowed in the meeting. Remember, this was a special day at Synagogue. The miracle-working teacher ( who some said was the Messiah) was the "visiting preacher" that day. As humans do, the people of Capernaum had probably talked about it to their friends and were probably excited and expecting something special. Our inclination would be to impress the visitor and try to "look good" for him. An out-of-control demon-possessed man doesn't really fit with that plan, yet he was there. 

Can it be that they loved the unlovely and welcomed the unruly? I suspect so, or at least this particular unruly man. 

The important point is that, in welcoming him and allowing him to be present when Jesus came, they ushered in the circumstances that led to his healing and redemption. How amazing is that? In welcoming the unruly and unlovely, we can have a part in bringing them to Jesus! 

I often look around my church and wonder why everyone looks just like me. Maybe the building is too big and fancy for the unruly to risk entering. Maybe they aren't sure of a welcome. (I think they would be welcomed, though) The real reason is probably that we are not doing all we could to bring them in. Those of us who live under the Great Commission are supposed to be making disciples (rescuing the perishing), and a part of that requires that we bring them to Jesus and welcome them as we do. 

Today, pray that we have hearts that recognize the need of those around us and eagerly bring them to Jesus, no matter how different or unlovely they are. Pray that we would welcome all who come, just as Jesus welcomed us. Pray too that our children and loved ones will find the body of Christ to be warm and welcoming and that God would send the perfect laborer to bring them back to Christ.