Wonderment: He Speaks!

The thread of wonderment and amazement that runs through the gospel of Luke has a basic flow to it: 

• Amazement at what was spoken and announced regarding Jesus. 
• Amazement at the spoken words of Jesus. 
• Amazement at the power of Jesus revealed through his miracles. 

Last time we considered the amazement and wonderment concerning what others announced regarding Jesus: 

And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 

 

First, amazement at what is said about Jesus. 

It’s not about the skills of the announcers. It’s not about the earthly credibility of the announcers. It’s not about the charisma and oratory expertise of the announcers. It’s all about the content of the message: the message of Jesus, spoken by a simple person of humble means. God is the author of the wonderment and the words were spoken by simple men and women. Simple people are God’s means to producing wonderment in the minds and hearts of others. 

 

In The Beginning Was The Word 

Then, as we proceed through the book of Luke, Jesus arrives on the scene and the wonderment continues as He Himself speaks. 

• At the age of 12 it was said about Jesus, and all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. And when His parents saw Him, there were astonished…Luke 2:47,48. 
• When Jesus preached in His hometown of Nazareth, the initial response of the people was wonder. And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips... Luke 4:22 
• The goal of the religious and political elite was to trip Jesus in His words. They asked questions with the goal to catch him in some statements, 20:20. But they failed every time: And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answers, they became silent, 20:26. 
• The crescendo of wonderment took place after the resurrection as Jesus spoke to two of His followers on the road to Emmaus. He initially concealed His identity. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him…they said to one another, ‘were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the scripture to us? 24:31,32. 

Jesus produced amazement in His own time with His own words. From the time He was a child until He ascended back to Heaven, Jesus amazed! He made spines tingle; He made eyes pop; He baffled and confounded His enemies: He made hearts burn with wonder! 

 

His Words? Your soul?

Is your heart numb? Is your heart cold? Is your heart longing? Is your heart warm? Is your heart burning?

In my youth, I would often listen to a Christian artist named Keith Green. Reflect upon these lyrics from his song My Eyes Are Dry. Make it your prayer. 

 

My eyes are dry; My faith is old; My heart is hard; my prayers are cold. 

And I know how I ought to be; Alive to You and dead to me. 

But what can be done; For an old heart like mine? Soften it up; With Oil and Wine. 

The oil is you, Your Spirit of love; Please wash me anew; With the wine of Your Blood.