Jesus In Disguise
Have you ever had an encounter with Jesus that totally changed your life? I wanted to share with you about the first time I went to Honduras on a mission trip with our church. We went down to help build a building for the sponsor children for Compassion International. We were in a community outside of Progresso, Honduras. One day the pastor took us on a walk to show us some of the other projects the church had completed over the previous 12 years. They had built a water system for the community to have clean drinking water, houses for those in need and now the Compassion house.
One of the houses we visited in particular, was fragile and could have been blown down by a gust of strong wind. It had thin walls, a metal tin roof and dirt floors. This house was among many which did not have electric or running water. The owner of this house was a woman who invited us into her home. Many women were left behind to tend homes on their own while their husbands left to find work far away.
When she invited us in she wanted to show her gratitude by offering the only meal she had—a chicken (which is expensive). It was obvious she did not have much to give and yet she wanted to offer us her very last meal. We said no we we already ate, please keep your chicken. She was insistent to give us all she had even though she had no idea where her next meal was going to come from. We did not eat her chicken but left her home filled with a richness so abundant that it was hard to describe.
What the woman gave me that day could never compare to anything I could ever give to her. She gave when she had nothing to give. She was like the widow who gave everything she had.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44)
She showed me a giving out of faithfulness to a degree I have never seen before. Her giving was so selfless. The only way I could describe it was, Jesus in disguise. Her offering out of poverty, giving everything she had to live on to us was the richest gift I had ever received.
“You can always give without loving, but never love without giving.” ~ Amy Carmicheal
Her giving showed me the love of Jesus, how he loves and thinks of us. She was not afraid to give her love not knowing where her next meal was going to come from. She gave without an expectation of receiving. She lived faithfully in the love of Jesus, relying on Him for her every need and provision. His love knows no limits, is not bounded by boundaries, but free to everyone. Her offering her last meal, gave like Jesus gives to us everyday. His love isn’t meant to be kept hidden but shared with others.
I have never forgotten what she gave me that day. She gave me the courage to be courageous in love, not be afraid, share the love of Jesus with others, so they too may know there is no greater love than His.
Her giving challenged me to ask myself, what am I willing to give to others to let them know how much Jesus loves them no matter what the cost?
Have you ever seen Jesus in Disguise?
How did it impact you?
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.” John 15:12-13 MSG
Did you like this blogpost? Share with others! Want more encouraging messages sent right to your inbox? Subscribe to my blog and receive a weekly Monday Message or like my Author Facebook page to catch the latest posts.
Join me next week as we dive deeper into the love of Jesus! I would love to hear from you! Please Leave Your Comments Below. I pray you’re week is filled with God’s abundant love!
@HeatherGillis6
@HeatherGillis6
@heathergillis6
@heathergillis