In reading the Gospels we encounter a stream of stories with a common theme. In fact it is one way of understanding the whole content of the Gospels. Persons come to Jesus because they believe he will be able to meet some need of theirs. The needs are multiple, everything from physical healing to spiritual relief, to hunger. And, they are correct in coming to him. He can and does meet their needs. They are fed, their questions are answered, they are delivered from evil powers, they are healed. All these things, and more, are recorded. Seldom is that the end of the story. These persons who come to Jesus receive what they need. Then Jesus invites them to come follow him. Then they are empowered and sent out to do the work of the Kingdom of God. They become servants and witnesses.

 

            Think of Zacchaeus. He was curious, searching for something. At the end of the story he is making amends for his wrongs and giving extravagantly for the needs of others. Think of blind Bartimaeus. He wanted to see, and ends up being a witness. Think of the Disciples Jesus called by the sea shore. They did not initially volunteer for sacrifice and service. But, in the end they are the evangelists and martyrs who planted the seeds of the early church. These stories are not unique. They are repeated many times.

 

            The gospel is the story of persons who come to Jesus to get their needs met. The needs are met. Then, they become learners and believers. Then they become servants, witnesses, evangelists, workers. A process of transformation has taken place for these persons. They start by wanting to be served, and end serving. They want to be done for, but finish by doing for others. They start out thinking of themselves, and end up giving themselves to the Lord. Yes, it is a process of transformation.

 

            Clearly, we are called to a relationship with Christ. But not simply a relationship where we can call on him for what we need. Rather, we are called to a relationship in which we give ourselves to him. It is a relationship in which we are transformed to live a life controlled by the Spirit. We are called to belong to Christ. We are called to change the world. For Disciples of Jesus the big question in life does not revolve around how well we are being served, but how we can serve. Christian maturity is trust that Christ will provide for our needs in every situation of life as we give ourselves to him. Each of us is at some point in that transformational process. Where is Christ calling you to grow?
 
            Grace and Peace to You,
            Steve Campbell