In the red-letter edition of the Bible, the words of Jesus stand out, often filling pages with profound teachings and treatises. However, amidst the longer teachings, Jesus displayed his power and compassion with just a few words, speaking volumes in his responses. Let’s explore these moments where Jesus’ brief utterances brought immense healing and authority.
WORDS OF COMPASSION:
Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 42:2) which speaks about the Chosen Servant of the Lord, who would be characterized by certain qualities. The prophecy reads:
“He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street.”
Jesus exemplified Isaiah’s prophecy by speaking with quiet gentleness and mercy. To a leper’s plea for healing, Jesus simply replied, “I will. Be clean.” With those two words, the leper’s faith met Jesus’ compassion, and he was healed.
A deaf and mute man found healing when Jesus said, “Be opened.” The clear and compassionate words brought him the gift of hearing and speech.
In one tender moment, Jesus called Jairus’s daughter back to life, saying, “Child, arise.” His compassion and power were evident as he restored life to her.
With only a few words, Jesus could speak with a quiet gentleness or with an authority that thundered in its confidence.
After the resurrection, Jesus lovingly called Mary by name, dispelling her grief and confusion.
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus drew out the disciples’ disappointment with the question, “What things?” before interpreting the scriptures for them.
Entering a room filled with fearful disciples, Jesus greeted them with, “Peace to you!” Bringing comfort and calm to their troubled hearts.
WORDS OF AUTHORITY:
The authority with which Jesus taught astonished those who heard him. His commands held power, and creation obeyed. “Peace! Be still!” calmed the raging storm, instilling fear in the disciples of the one whom the storm obeyed.
When confronted by demons, a simple command of “Go” caused them to flee and submit to Jesus’ authority.
With the call, “Follow me,” Jesus compelled Matthew to leave everything behind and become a disciple.
During a stormy night, when Jesus said, “Come,” Peter walked on water to him, showcasing the authority of his words.
No created thing dared to disobey a single word.
There are two occasions we know when Jesus raised his voice. He did so when he summoned Lazarus from the departed, “Come out.” (John 11:43). Raised to life at the command, Lazarus startled all gathered when he walked, fully alive, out of the tomb.
Jesus raised his voice again when he cried out from the cross that one authoritative word that signified Jesus had accomplished all the Father’s will. “It is finished.” (John 19:30; Mat. 27:50). That one word still rings down through redemptive history.
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Heb. 1:1)
The thundering voice of God so often referred to in the Old Testament and in Revelation was heard in the weightiness of Jesus’s simple commands or truth claims. The still small whisper of God’s voice that Elijah heard after the earthquake was also heard in Jesus’s gentle, personal responses to the frail and confused. Whether it is the Sermon on the Mount, the Upper Room Discourse or a simple one or two word answer, we will do well to “Listen to him.” (Luke 9:35).
This is a summary of 13 Times Jesus Amazed His Hearers in 2 Words or Less by Lois Krogh.
You can read the full article at crossway.org.