I was the only girl on the neighborhood football team—their punter. To the boys’ surprise, no one else could kick the football like me. Admittedly, it may have been my sturdy shoes more than my skill that gave me an extra edge. But it felt good to be selected as part of the group. However, it was apparently for what I could do for them, not for who I was.
As Jesus moved through the villages and countryside, healing many, He stopped to connect with people. He heard their cries, looked at them face-to-face, and selected them. These individuals had nothing to offer Jesus. They could do nothing for Him. But He saw something special in them. In each healing miracle, the person had faith. “I believe” was their familiar cry.
Many in the crowds came to hear Jesus’ teaching out of curiosity. Some came selfishly for what He might do for them. And others had a desperate need. Yet for those with whom Jesus ultimately connected, He gave singular, laser-focused attention, as if no one else in the world were present. He knew their deepest need, heard their cries above the noise, and saw their heart.
At times, the person’s pleas were on behalf of someone else, like the father who pleaded for help for his demon-possessed son. Each of Jesus’ encounters was intense. He attended. He healed. To the person’s astonishment, He selected them from the crowd over all the others, and their lives were never the same.
Jesus chose some among the many because they believed with all their heart. If you struggle with faith in Jesus, ask Him to help you overcome your unbelief.
Karen Huffaker is now a breakthrough freelance Christian writer after working many years writing and editing in the corporate/legal world. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events.