The Disruption of Jesus Christ

District Diaries December 2023 Edition
​by Marvin Penner

​It is the time of year when we begin to read the first chapters of the gospels. The story of Jesus’ birth breaks onto the pages in a series of major disruptions. We read phrases like, “The virgin will be with child”, “We saw a star”, “the glory of the Lord shone around them”.  I don’t know about you, but I know that I do not like disruptions in my life. It has been a growth experience to visit your churches where I don’t know what is going to happen. I often respond to things that surprise me. As I’ve read the gospels in this new light, I can’t help but notice how often Jesus experienced disruption. Jesus was walking through a crowd trying to get somewhere a woman touched him in faith and was healed (Lk 8:44). His journey abruptly stopped. On another occasion he was teaching when the servant of a Centurion interrupted to plead for a healing (Lk 7:4). One day 10 lepers were persistently shouting at Jesus from a distance until he turned from his task to address them (Lk 17:13). I could not fail to mention the men who dug a hole through the roof above Jesus to lower down a leper (Lk 5:19). Also, in the middle of the night Jesus got up to talk with Nicodemus (Jn 3:2). In so many of our favorite gospel accounts we find stories where the Son of God is disrupted. When this happens, he so often stops and gives his full attention to the people who interrupted what he was doing. It becomes obvious that God often chooses to do His best work outside of the plans of His disciples.

    Could we come to the conclusion that God sometimes chooses to work through disruption? How many times have I been interrupted and found a way to move on with my plans? Is your church experiencing disruption? If we are to follow the example of Jesus, we would be wise to at least stop and ask some questions. Not every disruption is an opportunity for God’s work, but I am learning to at least be more open to the possibility. I wonder what Christmas would be like if Joseph, Mary, the wise men and the shepherds had ignored the disruptions God brought into their lives and carried on with their own plans?