THE BOLD ASK

It may be the boldest of all the bold asks: “We want you (Jesus) to do for us whatever we ask!” It seems without limit—beyond three wishes of a genie. There is no doubt that we often don’t realize the long-range implications of that for which we ask.  Jesus will teach us that his kingdom isn’t about position and power but something far different than what these brothers had in mind.

Jesus isn’t just willing to respond to the bold ask of the leper; he does the unthinkable.  He does what is not to be done; he puts himself at risk of disease, at risk of being shut out of the temple. He touched the man.  But the bold ask of the leper to be healed is followed by a bold ask of Jesus for him to keep quiet about it and follow temple protocol.  However, he doesn’t meet Jesus’ request, and the results complicate Jesus ministry.

We have often heard the ask of the one thief: “Remember me…” However, both thieves crucified with Jesus made bold asks. How do they compare? Why was one an ask of faith and the other something less?  Both were asks for self, but one was short-sighted, and the other took the long view. What were the results of these two bold asks, and what is the teaching that can shape our faith walk today?

A dad has brought his boy to Jesus to be healed of demon possession. The demon throws the boy to the ground, and Jesus asks the dad about how long he’s been like this. The dad explains, and then the ask: If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. What does it mean to make a bold ask with or without the “if?"

In our culture today, we imagine we see it all.  We believe our scientific minds and rational thinking are seeing the full picture. We forget that, as Paul wrote, “we war against spiritual wickedness.”  Jesus recognized personified evil, and the demons recognized Jesus.  They recognized his position and power.  In light of how they had treated one of his sons—one of his creations, Jesus had every right to deal harshly. The demons make their ask, and Jesus grants their request.  As followers of Jesus, what can we learn about dealing with the opposition?