If you have ever read the Gospels, (The first 4 books of the New Testament) you know that when the people heard that the Messiah was coming, they were dedicated to finding him. And those who saw the prophecies (predictions) come true through Jesus’ life and actions were invested in following his every step. Phrases like “the large crowd came to Jesus”, “the masses followed Jesus”, and “they came from the surrounding cities” can be found in the gospels countless times.
It was evident to most around him that Jesus had something special. They knew he had the power to heal, but he also held authority in his words. He was a man full of compassion (Luke 5:12-15). He loved everyone equally and did not look down on anyone (Luke 5:27-31). He gave out grace like a simple hello (Luke 7:44-50). He was God in flesh. He came as an example for us to follow and live like.
These last few weeks in Ethiopia, I have received a glimpse of what Jesus’ life might have looked like from his point of view. Truly I wish you all could experience this but for now I hope my words can do it some justice.
The center city of Addis Ababa starts to fade out. The elegant buildings that were once on either side of me slowly cease to exist. Instead they are replaced with half-built homes as we reach the outskirts of the city. The road becomes too bumpy to drive on the right side. The driver weaves back and forth. As we make our final turn, we come up to a camp. It is the refugee camp for Ethiopians who were living on the Somalian boarder. They came to the capital to escape the danger of a war over territory. Most are Muslims, women with head dresses covering their heads and some only revealing their eyes. It was a sight that I was not used to. As we got off the bus, we were greeted with hugs and kisses. It is practically impossible to step foot off the bus any day without getting attacked by little hands trying to simply touch you. Before entering into the camp, we were told we could not speak of Jesus in any form. All we could do was love these kids in away that would display Jesus through our actions. We start to walk through the camp. With every step, I feel a tug. One hand gets taken and then another. I had never felt so much love in one place. As I walk out toward the cow field to play with the kids I look back and see a massive crowd. There are flowing head dresses running my way, mothers my age carrying their babies around them, old men with canes stumbling to keep up and children of all ages following us. I was astonished by the number of people behind me. I cannot explain the extent of just how many people there were. Hundreds, maybe even a thousand were following us. I couldn’t help but think this is probably what Jesus experienced. Here I was empty handed all I could give these beautiful people was love. So I sang for them, I danced with them, I piggy backed raced for them, I played soccer with them, I loved them as the Father would.
Sometimes we have nothing to offer but ourselves. Although I would be overjoyed to see all of them come to know Jesus, I am grateful that I can show them how much they are loved by the Father. Believing in and being like Jesus is what we are called to do; to love others with the kind of love he selflessly pours out. Jesus had compassion for all no matter what sin or status level they held. So I am leaving you with this:
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
“And yet I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do you not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardships that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
