Are You Looking for Jesus?
Immediate Search
Angels told shepherds good news of great joy that the Savior, the Christ the Lord, had been born, and told them the signs. The shepherds left “straight” away, in a hurry, and found the baby. They believed the angels and set out right away. (Luke 2:8-17)
Determined, Resolute Search
The wise men (the magi) travelled a great distance to worship Jesus Christ (we don’t know their starting point, but it is 900 miles from Babylon to Jerusalem). (Matthew 2:1-11)
They asked for information and learned that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem. They went there, found the Child, worshipped Him, and gave Him gifts suitable for royalty.
Those gifts were prepared in advance because they expected to find Him and worship Him.
Others Didn’t Care to Look
When the magi arrived, the chief priests and scribes were asked where the Messiah was to be born. The priests and scribes knew the Scriptures where the prophet said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of Judea. (Matthew 2:4-6)
They also knew the scriptures where Daniel prophesized when the Messiah would come. (Daniel 9:25)
There is NO indication that any of the priests or scribes went looking for Jesus….
Others Waited Expectantly
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem, to the temple, to present Him to the Lord, (Luke 2:22) there were two people waiting to see Jesus.
Simeon, a man righteous and devout, was looking for the consolation of Isreal. He had been waiting. (Luke 2:25-32)
Anna, a prophetess, came up to Mary and Joseph and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-39)
Paul Pressed on to Know Jesus
Paul pressed on, knowing the surpassing value of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything besides knowing Christ was rubbish. (Philippians 3:7-14)
And us? Are we looking for Jesus?
Take stock. Are we determined to know Christ? Do we show that in how we study God’s word? In how we pray? In how we meditate on Him?
Let’s determine to resolutely press on to know our Lord Jesus Christ.
