God in us – Day 15

In the above portion of scripture, two individuals are under discussion: a respected man who pleads for the life of his dying child, and a sick cast out woman who seeks healing for herself, without anyone noticing her. On his way to the little girl, Jesus interrupts his journey to pay attention to the woman who shyly touched the edge of his cloak and was healed immediately. However, Jesus wants to know more about her than her merely being healed; he wants to know her as a person. He wants to minister to her complete person. When she eventually came forward, he says to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

This interruption, though, does not distract him from the urgent request regarding the little girl, even though she had passed away already. When he arrived at her house, he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. (Luke 8:54)

Jesus’ life bore the fruit he was destined for – to be a person for people on earth, despite their position, sex or age. This fruit of obedience, though, bears even more and better fruit – his Father receives the honour due to him.

In practical terms, fruit represents good works – a good deed, thought, attitude and lifestyle that brings honour to God. However, it entails more than the mechanical execution of good deeds. It should be inspired by one’s love for God and one’s love for people. Without it, good works are merely charity; good works for the sake of good works itself. This is dangerous, it easily leads to self-exaltation.

In this matter, Jesus is our example. He never paused at people merely to perform good deeds, but he saw the real person behind the people that he encountered. He also touched their spirits, their whole being with love. In the end, his good deeds were fruit that honoured his Father.