ODJ: Alluring

October 4, 2017 

READ: Matthew 14:13-21 

As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns (v.13).

The owner of the coffee shop I escape to when I have a writing deadline told me she wants it to be the “community’s living room”. And I think it is. There are heart surgeons, business people, judges, medical students, teachers, kids from local schools, college students, parents, pastors and writers who frequent it. Although I’m new to the area, I’ve already come to recognise many of the patrons. The people who work there are friendly and welcoming. The coffee and food are good. The atmosphere is cozy and alluring. It’s a go-to place in our community.

My little haven calls to mind the fact that wherever Jesus showed up became a go-to place. In Matthew 14:13 we read that He was in a remote place. But it didn’t matter! As soon as the crowds found out where He was, they left their towns and went out to Him. Part of the reason people were drawn to Jesus was that He was full of God’s healing power (v.14). They were also drawn by the way He brought out the wisdom of the Scriptures (Luke 5:1). But central to the attraction to Jesus was the way He made all types of people comfortable around Him (Matthew 9:11). When they looked at Christ, they saw love and compassion in His eyes (14:14).

Everything about Jesus was alluring. So wherever He happened to be—whether a home, seaside, wilderness or even the cross—there was a pull, a magnetism that drew people close.

When we follow Jesus, when we’re filled with Him (Colossians 2:9-10), we too will be alluring. Our lives, houses, workplaces and churches will be go-to places. May we His disciples—and the places we frequent—be alluring through His power and love within us.

—Marlena Graves

365-day-plan: Luke 24:44-53