My
mother-in-law was treated unkindly by someone claiming to be a professional in
the medical field. This happened about a month ago, but no, I’m not still
fuming over this. I feel bad that it happened, but that's not why I bring it
up.
As
my wife was sharing with our whole family about the injustice served to her
mom, our kids became justifiably upset (I'm glad they care). They started
telling us what they would have told the so-called professional had they been
in that situation. I began to hear how my kids might treat telemarketers
in the future. It wasn’t pretty.
And
that's when I saw it. That moment parents enjoy...a teachable moment.
I
stopped their bravado and simply asked them how they thought Jesus would
respond to injustice or being treated unfairly. How would Jesus respond to
the healthcare worker?
Jacie,
our oldest responded, as if Jesus, with, "Oh yeah, I'll just heal
myself!" My son, always a bit too quick with his wit, responded,
"If I were Jesus, I would have said, 'Do you know who I am?'"
Sigh...teachable
moment gone.
Actually,
it wasn't. It was simply delayed until we stopped laughing.
Have
you ever stopped and asked yourself how Jesus might actually respond, were He
in our shoes? How might Jesus respond when His schedule was wrecked, His
expectations unmet and His dreams dashed? Yes, the Apostle Peter told us Jesus
left us an example to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
But,
in the moment, that’s often easier said than followed.
I
think we often miss what Jesus actually did when He found Himself in need. He
looked to His Father in Heaven. I find it interesting that the first two
comments from my children, in the situation above, alluded to power and
prestige. And that’s often the way we respond to difficulties.
But
if Jesus looked up for help, perhaps that’s the example we should be following.
What would Jesus do indeed?!?
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