There are two stories in the Bible which show people running toward Jesus. I’m sure during Jesus’ three-year public ministry there were many more unrecorded examples as well. After all, Jesus was very popular with the people because of his amazing teaching and his awe-inspiring healings (and other miracles). But the two stories I’m referring to come at the very beginning and at the very end of Jesus’ life. Let’s take a look…
Running shepherds
As we approach the Christmas season, our thoughts go naturally to the Christmas story. The third Gospel writer (Luke) describes the true story of Joseph and Mary journeying to Bethlehem where Jesus is born in a stable. He then turns his attention to a group of lowly shepherds tending their flock in the nearby countryside that same night.
They were shocked and “terrified” by an angel who basically tells them to “stay calm” and go into the village to see a newborn baby that is described as a “Savior”, the “Messiah” and the “Lord”. And then for a moment it seemed that these humble sheep-herders were given a glimpse into heaven itself. A multitude of angels now appeared praising God. Then the angelic visitors left.
How would you have felt (and what would you have done) if you had been one of those shepherds? After recovering from the shock (and probably still trembling a bit), they make the logical decision to do what the angel had advised. “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16)
Did you notice how they went? They didn’t walk casually. They “hurried off” full of excitement that the One prophesied for centuries had finally arrived and they could actually be the first to see him. They were running to their Redeemer.
After their encounter with the holy family, their excitement continued. They began telling everyone and they returned to their fields “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen”. They were changed men.
Running disciples
Fast forward 33 years, and you see Luke describing another scene of running. Baby Jesus had long since grown up, launched his public ministry of teaching and healing, been arrested and crucified, and left lying in a cold tomb. His followers were confused (how could this happen to their Messiah?), ashamed (most had denied or abandoned him) and fearful (maybe we’re next).
Some women had gone early that morning to Jesus’ tomb to finish anointing his body for a proper burial. But something unexpected had happened when they got there. The boulder had been rolled aside and the tomb was empty. And then they encountered two angels. Like the shepherds (over three decades before), they react with fear. But the angelic visitors (like before) calm them down and give them a message to share with others. Jesus is no longer dead, but alive as he had tried to tell his followers earlier.
The women hurried back to tell the disciples who struggled to believe their report. What would you have done if you had been one of those disciples that day? “Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb” (Luke 24:12) and saw firsthand that it was true. Peter too had run to his Redeemer.
He would soon see Jesus alive, be forgiven and restored, and sent out to spread the good news of salvation and eternal life to the world.
Bottom line
So, what about you? The good news has not changed. God sent Jesus to us unexpectedly as a baby. He lived an extraordinary life and died an excruciating death for our sins. And then he rose again to be our living Savior.
Like the shepherds and Peter, we too can choose to run to our Redeemer with faith, surrender and thankfulness.
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
