Kenny was fifteen when he’d ride the New York City subway on lonely summer mornings. He went to NBC studios at Rockefeller Center. At 7:30 one morning, he arrived at the television studios, and few people were there.
High marble walls magnified every sound. As Kenny waited for his free game show tickets, an obnoxious talker entered the building. The man’s voice echoed throughout the first floor. “What rudeness!” Kenny thought. The loud voice was getting closer. Then the man came into view.
Kenny’s jaw dropped! He was staring at Bob Hope! Yes, THE Bob Hope. He walked past Kenny to the studio elevators. How would you react? Mr. Hope noticed Kenny staring, but Kenny was too stunned to approach. A few minutes later, he watched The Today Show on a complimentary TV in the visitors' lounge. Jane Pauly was interviewing Bob Hope, live!
The front door squeaks open as the church gathers for worship next Lord’s Day. Someone’s arriving late. You watch to see who it is. A young man, wearing a long robe and sandals walks into the auditorium. You gasp. You immediately know that you are in the presence of greatness. Jesus has come to visit your church!
He walks up to you. Your heart races; your palms sweat; Jesus wants to sit next to you! “May I join you, brother?” He sings all the songs; He knows the order of worship; He listens carefully to the prayers. He’s especially attentive during the Lord’s Supper! Is Jesus impressed with it all? How would you react?
You’ll never forget this Lord’s Day! You can’t wait to tell all your friends and family. This is a special honor! You’ll want to treat Jesus to lunch at Pizza Hut! He wants to spend the day with you. Jesus wants you to spend eternity with Him! What a privilege!
You remember Zacchaeus up in that Jericho sycamore tree (Luke 19:1-10). What an honor! Unlike world-known celebrities, Jesus makes Himself available to everyone even the unlovable and sinners.
One day, Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. There was a woman there, doubled over with a terrible illness. Jesus healed her. The synagogue leader was angry. The leader said to all those who had witnessed this miracle, “There are six days when people ought to work. So, come on one of those days to be healed. Do not come for healing on the Sabbath day!” (Luke 13:10-17).
Jesus came to heal the hurting. Jesus’ compassion for the woman shamed His critics. This demonstration proves He has the power to take away your sin. How will you react?