They Got Jesus

Toni M. Babcock

I’m encouraged by believers in the Bible who really ‘got’ Jesus. They didn’t just have Jesus—as a friend, confidant, teacher, or leader—they got Him. 

They got what He meant before needing to have it explained to them in elementary terms. 

Jesus never marveled at their unbelief. 

He never seemed to have to ask them in so many words, ‘Don’t you get it?’ 

Instead, he marveled at their faith.

They came from the most unsuspecting places. 

Consider the Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to cast the demon out of her tormented daughter. 

Jesus tested the authenticity of her faith by saying “Let the children be fed first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 

Was she offended? 

No. She replied, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

 
She ‘got’ Jesus. She called him Lord, acknowledged His power, and humbled herself. 

Her request was granted because of her reply (cf. Mark 7:25-29 CSB).

Then there was the Roman Centurion whose servant was paralyzed at home and suffering terribly. 

The centurion didn’t expect Jesus to come to his home. 

He didn’t feel worthy. 

“Just say the word and my servant will be healed…” he implored.

 
The centurion got Jesus— and Jesus was amazed. 

“Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith,” He said. 

“’Go.” he told the centurion. 

“As you have believed, let it be done for you. 

And his servant was healed that very moment.” 

(cf. Matthew 8:5-13 CSB).

Then think of Mary of Bethany, sister of Lazarus. 

She anointed Jesus for His coming burial with a very expensive perfume, wiping His feet with her hair. 

“Why this waste?” the disciples asked. 

“This perfume could have been sold and given to the poor.” 

They didn’t get Mary, but Jesus did—and blessed her worship, because He knew Mary understood what was about to take place, even when the disciples didn’t 

(cf. Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:1-7 CSB). 

Have you got Jesus?

Toni is author of Reflections from the Heart and the Stone Writer. Contact