Embracing Interruptions: The Gift of Healing and Community

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Noticing

Description: In the midst of a bustling crowd, Jesus noticed the woman who had been suffering for 12 years. This act of noticing was not just a casual glance; it was a profound recognition of her pain and her faith. By acknowledging her, Jesus offered her healing and restored her to the community. In our busy lives, we often overlook those around us who are in need of attention and care. By slowing down and paying attention, we can offer healing and connection to those who feel invisible. This act of noticing can be a powerful ministry in itself, as it affirms the worth and dignity of every individual. [59:54]

Luke 8:45-46 (ESV): "And Jesus said, 'Who was it that touched me?' When all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!' But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel overlooked or invisible. How can you intentionally notice and affirm them today?

Day 2: Embracing Interruptions

Description: Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus' daughter when He allowed Himself to be interrupted by the woman who touched His garment. This interruption led to a miraculous healing and a profound moment of community. Viewing interruptions as opportunities for divine encounters can transform our perspective and open us to God's work in unexpected ways. Instead of seeing interruptions as nuisances, we can embrace them as moments where God might be calling us to act, listen, or simply be present. [01:01:42]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent interruption in your life. How might God have been working through that moment? How can you be more open to divine interruptions in the future?

Day 3: Creating Community

Description: Jesus not only healed the woman but also restored her to the community by calling her "daughter." This act of naming and inclusion was a powerful statement of her worth and belonging. Hospitality involves creating moments of connection and belonging, even in the midst of our busy lives. These moments can be seeds for deeper relationships and community. By intentionally creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, we can foster a sense of belonging and community that reflects the love of Christ. [01:03:04]

Romans 12:10-13 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Reflection: Think of a way you can create a moment of connection and belonging for someone in your community this week. What specific action can you take to make them feel valued and included?

Day 4: Radical Hospitality

Description: The parable of the priest and the demon teaches us that true hospitality extends even to those we perceive as enemies. By showing kindness and love, we can transform and be transformed. This radical hospitality challenges us to see the humanity in everyone, even those who hurt us. It calls us to extend grace and compassion beyond our comfort zones, trusting that God's love can work through us to bring about transformation and healing. [53:23]

Hebrews 13:2 (ESV): "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Reflection: Consider someone you find difficult to love or welcome. How can you extend radical hospitality to them this week? What steps can you take to show them kindness and compassion?

Day 5: God's Provision in Interruptions

Description: When we allow ourselves to be interrupted, God provides. The story of the couple in Buffalo who welcomed strangers during a blizzard illustrates how God prepares and provides for us in unexpected ways. Trusting in God's provision allows us to embrace interruptions with faith and openness. When we step out in faith to help others, we often find that God has already made a way for us to do so, providing the resources, strength, and opportunities we need. [01:09:21]

Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God's provision in an unexpected way. How can you trust in God's provision more fully in your daily life, especially when faced with interruptions?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, beautiful people. Today, we delve into the theme of interruptions and the healing they can bring. Jesus, who holds healing in His divine hands, offers us this gift of healing through interruptions. Whether you're joining us online or in person, your presence matters. We want to know you by name and be part of a community that transforms society with the light of Christ.

This week, I experienced numerous interruptions, from my half-marathon training being disrupted by illness and injury to the daily interruptions from my children when they were young. These interruptions taught me the importance of being present and listening. Hospitality, as French philosopher Jacques Derrida suggests, is an interruption of the self. It requires setting aside our own agendas to make room for others, which can be transformative.

I shared a parable from Peter Rollins about a priest known for his hospitality who welcomed a demon into his church and home. Despite the demon's destructive behavior, the priest's unwavering kindness and hospitality transformed the demon. This parable reminds us that showing hospitality, even to those we perceive as "demons," can lead to transformation and healing.

We also explored the story of Jesus healing a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Despite being on his way to heal a synagogue leader's daughter, Jesus allowed Himself to be interrupted by the woman. He noticed her, allowed the interruption, and created a moment of community by calling her "daughter" and restoring her to society. This story highlights the importance of noticing others, allowing interruptions, and creating community.

I concluded with a modern story of a couple in Buffalo who welcomed ten strangers into their home during a blizzard. Their willingness to notice, be interrupted, and create community led to lasting friendships and a beautiful example of hospitality.

Jesus emptied Himself to make space for us, and true hospitality requires us to do the same. When we notice, allow interruptions, and create community, we receive the gift of God's provision and the joy of community. So, I invite you to notice, welcome interruptions, and trust in God's provision.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Noticing: Jesus noticed the woman who touched His garment amidst a pressing crowd. This act of noticing led to her healing and restoration. In our busy lives, we often overlook those around us. By slowing down and paying attention, we can offer healing and connection to those who feel invisible. [59:54]
2. Embracing Interruptions: Jesus allowed Himself to be interrupted on His way to heal Jairus' daughter. This interruption led to a miraculous healing and a profound moment of community. Viewing interruptions as opportunities for divine encounters can transform our perspective and open us to God's work in unexpected ways. [61:42]
3. Creating Community: Jesus not only healed the woman but also restored her to the community by calling her "daughter." Hospitality involves creating moments of connection and belonging, even in the midst of our busy lives. These moments can be seeds for deeper relationships and community. [63:04]
4. Radical Hospitality: The parable of the priest and the demon teaches us that true hospitality extends even to those we perceive as enemies. By showing kindness and love, we can transform and be transformed. This radical hospitality challenges us to see the humanity in everyone, even those who hurt us. [53:23]
5. God's Provision in Interruptions: When we allow ourselves to be interrupted, God provides. The story of the couple in Buffalo who welcomed strangers during a blizzard illustrates how God prepares and provides for us in unexpected ways. Trusting in God's provision allows us to embrace interruptions with faith and openness. [01:09:21]
### [69:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:09] - Importance of Community
[48:17] - Personal Interruptions
[49:29] - Listening to Children
[50:08] - Learning from Interruptions
[51:45] - Parable of Impossible Hospitality
[53:23] - Transformative Power of Hospitality
[54:56] - Story of Jairus and the Bleeding Woman
[56:26] - Jesus' Healing and Restoration
[58:05] - The Importance of Noticing
[59:54] - Allowing Interruptions
[61:42] - Creating Community
[63:04] - Jesus' Radical Hospitality
[65:31] - Modern Story of Hospitality
[69:21] - God's Provision in Interruptions
[77:54] - Closing Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the condition of the woman who touched Jesus' garment, and how long had she been suffering? (Mark 5:25-26)
How did Jesus respond when He realized someone had touched Him? (Mark 5:30-32)
What did Jesus call the woman after she was healed, and what significance does this have? (Mark 5:34)
How does Philippians 2:5-8 describe Jesus' attitude and actions towards humanity?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to stop and address the woman who touched His garment, even though He was on His way to heal Jairus' daughter? (Mark 5:30-32, [58:05])
How does the concept of "holy interruptions" challenge our usual perspective on being interrupted? (Philippians 2:5-8, [01:01:42])
In what ways does Jesus' act of calling the woman "daughter" restore her beyond just physical healing? (Mark 5:34, [01:03:04])
How does the parable of the priest and the demon illustrate the transformative power of radical hospitality? ([53:23])

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent time when you were interrupted. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently if you viewed it as a "holy interruption"? ([01:01:42])
Jesus noticed the woman in the crowd and acknowledged her. Who in your life might be feeling invisible, and how can you make an effort to notice and acknowledge them this week? ([59:54])
The couple in Buffalo welcomed strangers into their home during a blizzard. What are some practical ways you can show hospitality to those around you, even if it means disrupting your plans? ([01:05:31])
Jesus emptied Himself to make space for us, as described in Philippians 2:5-8. What is one area of your life where you can "empty yourself" to make space for someone else? ([01:08:12])
The priest in the parable showed kindness to the demon, which led to transformation. Is there someone you perceive as difficult or "demonic" in your life? How can you show them radical hospitality and kindness? ([53:23])
Jesus created a moment of community by calling the woman "daughter." How can you create moments of community and belonging in your daily interactions? ([01:03:04])
Trusting in God's provision can help us embrace interruptions with faith. What is one area where you need to trust God more, and how can you take a step of faith this week? ([01:09:21])

Sermon Clips

1. "There's a famous French philosopher named Jacques Derrida who said that hospitality is an interruption of the self. That even trying to be hospitable to someone else requires that we set aside our own agenda, our own ego, our own schedule to make room for another person. And there's something transformative about that." [50:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "To welcome the demon in whatever form the demon takes, remember this is a parable, is all but impossible. But through our trying, to show hospitality to the demon at our door, the demon may well be transformed by the grace that is shown. Or we may come to realize that it was not really a demon at all, but just a broken, damaged person like ourselves." [53:23] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How many times do we, do we recognize the other side? Do we look at people who think differently than us? As people who are evil or who are demons? Instead of understanding the brokenness that all of us have. How many times have I told you how important it is to me that phrase hurt people hurt people, right? And so when people are hurting others, it's because something is hurting in themselves." [53:23] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus noticed that someone had touched him, that power had gone out from him. How many of us get so busy, so focused on our task, or so caught up in our own minds and our own stuff that we don't even notice? We don't notice other people. We don't notice people who might be standing right in front of us." [59:54] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus allowed himself to be interrupted. So he was going on very important work, but he allowed himself to be interrupted. Because he knew. He knew that in that interruption, something beautiful was going to happen. And that's what Jesus invites us to do, is to shift our mindset from thinking about interruptions as something that's bad, to thinking about interruptions with a sense of expectation, anticipation." [01:01:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Jesus created a moment of community. And I think that's what happens, and I think that's why maybe Henri Nouwen calls it holy interruption, is because in those moments of interruption, we often experience this beautiful connection with another person that becomes the seed or the deepening of community." [01:03:04] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Jesus invited her to see herself as someone worthy of Jesus being interrupted for, to see herself with that value and that worth, to know that she was worth Jesus' time and energy in healing her, but then restoring her. To the community by calling her daughter, by calling her family. And we all know the gift of family and that love and that acceptance and that place of just being who we are, that family, whether it's birth family or chosen family, can give to us." [01:03:04] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "When you let yourself be interrupted, God always provides. So if you think that things aren't going to get done because I've been interrupted, God always provides. So I told you this week was full of interruptions. Last night I came to this concert and was, you know, trying to still pull together. I had my opening. I had my points. I did not have a closing story. And right in the middle of the concert, God's like, hey, remember those people in Buffalo? God provides." [01:09:21] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Jesus loves you. Jesus notices you. Jesus will interrupt whatever he's doing for your healing. And Jesus longs to restore you. And then go and be those noticers, those who welcome those holy interruptions, and those who build our community so that Jesus' light will shine through you." [01:17:54] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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