There are five uses of these words in the New Covenant. I have found that God’s timing is perfect and the significance of His timing bears consideration. In the Old Covenant, there are many examples like the choreography of the Israelite deliverance through Esther and Mordecai under King Xerxes from the enemy Haman. Joseph’s life turned on critical events separated by long spans of faithfulness, hope, prophetic vision and the fulfillment of God’s purposes for the deliverance of Israel through Joseph at a critical time. In the end all things are reconciled for Joseph better than any award winning story.

We can see quite a bit of variation in these New Covenant events where scripture notes, “Just then”. Yeshua is always in perfect synchronization with the Father’s purposes. “While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, ‘My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.’ Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.” (Matthew 9: 18-22). Two people of vastly different backgrounds expressed outrageous faith, one through words another with action, to which Yeshua responded miraculously.

The transfiguration was an event that distinguishes Yeshua from all others, and witnesses to His supremacy. Were Moses and Elijah recognized by their words to the Messiah or was it in Yeshua’s words to them? “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.” (Matthew 17: 2-3). Shining as the sun is complemented by the appearance of the Lawgiver and Prophet, but He alone was radiant.

Yeshua gave instruction regarding the acceptance of children and blessed them, then as if His words fell on deaf ears, He received a question which is directly opposed to the attitude of a child. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life’ ‘Why do you ask me about what is good’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.’ ” (Matthew 19: 14-17). The illustration of child-like humility is contrasted by self-focused pride. The children received Yeshua’s touch, the man who thought he could earn eternal life was referred to the law.

A member of the synagogue was possessed by an evil Spirit and it became an instant demonstration of the supremacy and authority of Yeshua as Messiah, Israel’s Deliverer and Savior. “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!’ ‘Be quiet!’ said Jesus sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ (Mark 1: 22-25). The authority of Yeshua’s words is matched with His authority in action over the impure spirit.

Yeshua directly revealed Himself as Messiah to a Samaritan woman who had faith that the Messiah was coming. Her life was not honorable, she was poor and lowly, her theology flawed, and she was considered an outcast by society, yet her faith in the coming Messiah was altogether acceptable. “The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah” (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’ (John 4: 25-27). God seeks the lowly and responds to faith, rather than human striving and social standing. Lord, Yeshua your words are life and full of power. Just then you found me and responded to my cry for help and revealed yourself. May we humbly accept you with child-like faith putting no faith in our own ability.