Feeding, Freeing…

Feeding, freeing and caring

But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. (Luke 8:54-55)

And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:44)

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you’. (Luke 10:33-35)

In the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the resurrection of Lazarus and the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches us that He alone can save. But He also gives us an understanding of our spiritual responsibilities towards our family, our friends and our neighbours.

After raising Jairus’ daughter, the Lord commands that she is given something to eat. This illustrates to us the importance of spiritually feeding our children in the home. In John 21 the first command of Jesus to Peter about shepherding the flock of God was to feed His lambs. The Lord especially has in mind those who are young and immature. He impresses on us the importance of ensuring they are cared for and helped in Christ.

Lazarus was a friend of Jesus – someone He loved. When He restored Lazarus to life, He commanded him to be set free from the results of death. The Lord teaches us about the power of Christian friendship. His friends had to release Lazarus from the grave clothes which prevented him from enjoying freedom of movement. We are commanded in love to help one another to be free of those things which prevent us from entering into and enjoying the liberty we have in Christ.

In the story of the Good Samaritan we have a picture of the compassionate love and care of Jesus. This is continued by the innkeeper in the light of the Samaritan’s promised return. And we are left with the example to do likewise.

In our present restrictions, let us appeal to our blessed God and Father for the Lord Jesus to save. And let us minister, in humility and grace, to our families, our friends and our neighbours. All this in the certainty of His coming again.