3 Important Lessons From The Magi

Millions of people have heard of the story of the Magi. They were the mysterious Wise Men who came to find the new-born King. They were from the "East", most likely Persia, a distant country hundreds of miles from Bethlehem, where traditions and customs were much different than those of the Jews. The Magi were of a priestly order, probably astrologers, and certainly well respected advisers.

Most Christians, and even millions of non-Christians, are aware of the Wise Men as part of the Christmas story. And even though the story of the Wise Men is widely known, there are very little known facts about them. There are only 12 verses in the entire Bible that tell their story, Matthew 2:1-12. That's it. Yet, the Magi play a critical role. There are several lessons we can learn from them.

1. The Magi teach us about WORSHIP

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

We can see from the above verse, that their worship was INTENTIONAL. That's the reason they travelled all those miles, hundreds of miles! They didn't come to satisfy their curiosity. They didn't just stop by to visit the new King as they were on their way somewhere else. They purposely came all that way with one objective in mind. "We saw his star when it rose and we have come to worship him." Worship for us should be intentional as well - that moment when we deliberately bow before God to praise, thank, honor, and adore Him.      

Not only was their worship intentional, it was DIRECTIONAL. In other words, it was all in a one-way direction -  to Jesus. It had nothing to do with themselves. They weren't looking for anything in return. They weren't asking for anything and they weren't looking for favors in return. They came solely to give the new King homage, acknowledgment, respect, honor, praise, and glory. In our worship of God, it should also be in a one-way direction. Worship is not a prayer request. It's not asking God for anything. Our worship has nothing with us, but everything to do with God. So, when we worship God, it's all about Him.

Each of the Magi made their worship PERSONAL. They individually bowed down when they entered the presence of the new born King. I like the idea of associating bowing down with worship. It says something.

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)

Notice that they bowed down and worshiped him, "then they opened their treasures". It implies that their act of worship was separate from their giving of gifts. It preceded it. They worshiped, then they gave their gifts. Not that their giving of gifts wasn't a part of showing honor and respect. It's just that their worship was that specific bowing-down period of time. It was that focused, intentional, purposeful, in-the-zone, reverential moment. And each of the Magi bowed. We should take our worship personal too. We can worship anytime, anyplace, as long as it is a focused moment - sort of being in the zone with God. Even in a congregational setting, although we can be worshiping together, at the same time, still we should be individually worshiping Him.

2. The Magi teach us HUMILITY

I'm sure you've heard the Christmas song, "We Three Kings". I'm not sure how accurate it is since we don't really know for sure how many Magi actually came to worship Jesus. And I'm not sure if the Magi were kings. However, we do know that they were greeted with great respect by King Herod and were probably treated like royalty. Yet, when they came into the presence of Jesus, each one of them bowed down. It didn't matter that the new born King was dressed in swaddling cloths. Their attitude was one of humility.

Their humility was also shown by their actions. They certainly were not arrogant. When they came into Jerusalem, they did not demand from Herod the answers to where Jesus was. They were inquirers. They were seekers.

It's interesting that the first ones to worship Jesus were non-Jews - in a sense a prophecy that Jesus would be the salvation of not just the Jews, but the Gentiles alike. Jesus is the King of all kings, that He is over Jews and non-Jews alike, that He is the Prince of Peace, the Lord of lords, the Wonderful Counselor over all, and that at the foot of Jesus, every knee shall bow. And as for the Magi, bow they did.

And even to this day, it takes humility to submit to Jesus, to surrender to Him, to follow Him as Lord. It takes putting aside our pride. An important quality we can learn from the Magi is humility. 

3. The Magi teach us about God's PROVIDENCE

Providence is the intervention of God in our lives. It demonstrates His power, His authority, and His sovereignty. It gives evidence that He is real, that He is interactive with us, and that He is a real-time God. Through His providence, God can line up people, line up situations, and open and shut doors in our lives. One thing is for sure, God's providence involves timing. And sometimes His providence is obvious and sometimes it's not.

God's providence certainly was active in the Christmas story -- He orchestrated the entire event! Angels were used in the Christmas story nine times -- to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph, twice with the Shepherds, to the Wise Men, to Joseph three more times. A supernatural guiding light or star was used twice. There were miraculous pregnancies (Elizabeth and Mary). And certainly timing was critical. But there's one piece of providence involving the Wise Men that is amazing. And it reveals the crucial role that they played in the lives of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

You see, God used the very valuable gifts of the Magi - gold, frankincense, and myrrh - to provide a way for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to escape to Egypt, and live there for an extended period of time.

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up,” he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod."  (Matthew 2:13b-15b)

We know Mary and Joseph were poor based on the sacrifice they offered when they brought Jesus to the temple to be consecrated. There's no way they could have traveled from Bethlehem to Egypt and then lived there without the valuable gifts of the Magi. It was by God's providence that they were provided for. And maybe that's the real reason the Magi came!

I believe we are blessed with the ability to 'retrospect'. Retrospect means to look back on our lives - to reflect back on how God has worked. When we look back on God's timing in our lives, and the way He has answered prayers, opened doors, intervened in our favor, lined up people and situations, it encourages us and increases our faith. The more we look back, the more it is obvious His hand has been at work.

In conclusion, as we celebrate each Christmas season, let's not forget the valuable lessons we can learn from the story of the Magi.

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The Sparkle Of Christmas

The Man Who Went To Heaven And Back

From time to time we hear of near death experiences. Some claim to have seen the "white light", the end of the tunnel, but it just wasn't their time yet, so they returned to life to tell about it. Are these true stories? Maybe. Or they just dreams, or made up stories? We can only speculate.

However, there is one story of a man seeing and experiencing the realm of heaven that is absolutely true without a doubt, and I'll explain why it must be true later. Below is a quote from the man himself.....

"This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell."

Amazing!! Unfortunately this person cannot be interviewed today because he died approximately 2000 years ago! His name is Paul. The Apostle Paul. And why do I say this is a true story? Because this is quoted in the Bible which is the word of God. And the Bible is truth. You can find Paul's quote in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4.

Paul tells about visions, revelations, and hearing astounding things that cannot be expressed in words, things no human being is even allowed to tell. So Paul never did tell exactly what he heard, only that he heard something. And even if he tried to tell of these things, he wouldn't be able to describe them in words. All he can do is admit what happened to him -- that he was caught up to the third heaven (which refers to heaven itself, the glorious paradise where God dwells).

What's interesting to me is the fact that Paul reluctantly waited 14 years to tell about it. Why? He explains it himself.....

"That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God."  (2 Corinthians 12:5-7a)

Paul did not want to appear to be boastful. But more importantly, he felt that the Gospel message that he was called to deliver was all sufficient and more powerful than his heavenly story. And he felt that his example, the way he lived, was more effective of a testimony than his testimony of experiencing heaven. 

To sum things up, what value does this admission by Paul give to us? Why would he admit it? For me, it strengthens my faith. If Paul visited heaven and told us about it, then heaven must be true. His words gives us hope of eternal life, of resurrected life after death -- that there is a place that God has for us -- a paradise! Paul's story is a confirmation of our faith and belief. Paul is telling us that heaven is real - he's seen it and heard it!

Let's hold on to the truth of Paul's words, and to the promise that Jesus talked about -- the promise of heaven...

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)

And remember....

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

What's Good About The Chosen Series

I must admit that when a new Bible movie or TV show comes out, I am somewhat skeptical because of how many of these productions have been poorly done in the past. Some are scripturally inaccurate, some have poor casting and acting, and some are just poorly produced. 

I realize the Bible is known for brevity. In other words, most of the events that you read in the Bible are concise, to the point, and don't always give complete details or back-stories. So I'm fine with a show that adds some embellishment to a story as long as those embellishments or scenarios are reasonable and plausible, and as long as they don't contradict scripture. 

When it comes to The Chosen TV series, I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised! I have seen the first two seasons, and let me tell you what's good about it.

First, the production quality is very good. The scenes are very realistic and well done. The editing is first class. These things take The Chosen to a professional level and the show does not feel like a low-budget movie. 

Secondly, the casting. The person who plays Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, is perfect. He portrays Jesus as someone who is compassionate, loving, friendly, has a sense of humor, is bold but humble, yet still teaches and leads with authority. If I lived in Jesus' day, this would be the Jesus I would have loved to meet and be with. 

There are many examples of how well Jesus is portrayed, but here's one instance that sticks with me. When Jesus performs a miracle causing a man who was crippled from birth to get up and walk, as they exchange looks, Jesus smiles back at the man and his eyes water because He is so happy for him. This just enhances the character of Jesus, something we would miss by reading that Bible story alone. That's because when we just read text, the emotional response and facial expressions are not captured.

Also, the casting of the other characters is excellent as well. For one thing, Nicodemus, played by Erick Avari, steals the show in a couple of episodes. Peter, played by Shahar Isaac, is also outstanding. His personality is just what I would imagine the real-life Peter's to be. And Matthew, the tax collector, played by Paras Patel, is shown as one who is autistic! Now the Bible doesn't expound at all on Matthew's personality, but think about it -- one who is good with numbers as a tax collector, who wrote one the Gospels in detail, why not? It's certainly possible, and the idea that he could have been autistic does not contradict scripture. 

Overall, the portrayals of the disciples as a group makes you realize how they must have interacted in real life. They dealt with all the emotions, relationship challenges, and concerns that we do. The character development in this series is excellent.

Thirdly, the producers of the The Chosen series have a very good vision on where they want the series to go. They plan seven seasons, and after watching the first two, I am looking forward to the next several. It's interesting and creative how they are funding the series, and presenting it through social media. You can tell a lot of thought and planning has gone into this project. 

In conclusion, watch The Chosen! It will give you some insight and perspective on Bible stories. However, it doesn't replace actually reading the Bible. The producers of The Chosen agree. At the beginning of Episode 1, Season 1, there appears on the screen this statement:

"The Chosen is based on the true stories of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Back stories and some characters or dialogue has been added. However, all biblical and historical context and any artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the Gospels."

One more thing -- I can't help but read the Bible now without visualizing the characters from The Chosen! That's how effective it is.

So watch The Chosen. But don't make it a substitute for reading the Bible. Hopefully, watching The Chosen will motivate you to read all four Gospels. And that's what's good about The Chosen. 

Did Jesus Die On A Thursday Or A Friday?

Years ago I sat in a conversation where some people were claiming that Jesus died on a Thursday instead of a Friday based on their understanding of how days are counted.

This created a big controversy because it contradicted almost all traditional viewpoints of when Jesus died. After all, Good Friday is observed all over the world as the day Jesus died! 

At the time I couldn't refute their opinion because I had never studied the matter. Mainly to settle my own mind and take a position, I decided to see what the Bible really says about the timeline of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Wow, I didn't realize how much effort this would take, but I'm glad I jumped in. So here is that study.

INTRODUCTION

Some scriptures say Jesus resurrected "on the third day". That seems fine. However, other scriptures say He was in the tomb “three days and three nights”! And yet others say He rose “after three days”! 

On the surface, these terms are confusing and appear contradictory. If Jesus rose on a Sunday, wouldn't 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb be 72 hours, or Thursday to Sunday? And "after three days" -- wouldn't that mean on the fourth day, implying He died on Thursday? But then we have "on the third day" -- isn't that Friday to Sunday, or 48 hours? 

I am going to show that the scriptures are, in fact, not contradictory, and that Jesus actually did die on a Friday, not on Thursday. 

A) Foundational Concepts

1) Jewish Time: 

  The Jewish day started at sunset or 6pm, not 12:00am midnight as ours does. (Lev 23:32). Their day was from 6pm (sunset) one day to 6pm the next day (sunset - to sunset). They also referred to daylight as day, and darkness as night, and divided up the night into watches, and the day (daylight) into 12 parts (hours). For example, for Jews, the third hour of the day (daylight, from 6:00am) would be 9:00am in our timeframe.

  The Sabbath therefore technically started at 6:00pm (sunset) on Friday and ended at 6:00pm (sunset) on Saturday, while the Sabbath “day” was the daylight hours on Saturday. Romans counted time differently, with midnight as the beginning of the day, like us, and divided the night into 4 three-hour watches.

 2) The Day of the Resurrection: The day of the resurrection is the first day of the week (Sunday). The Bible does not say the exact time of the resurrection, but states that it occurred on the day after the Sabbath (Saturday), between the time the women started their journey to the tomb (early Sunday morning before dawn, while it was still dark, John 20:1) to the time they arrived at the tomb after the sun had risen (Mark 16:1,2 & Luke 24:1, Matt 28:1,2). In other words, Jesus rose in the beginning of the “day” (daylight) on Sunday. They referred to the day of the resurrection as being on the “first day of the week” which would be Sunday. 

3) The Time of the Crucifixion:  Jesus was crucified at 9:00am and died at 3:00pm (Matt 27:46, Mark 15:25, Luke 23:44). The third hour of the Jewish day (daylight) is 6am plus 3 hours = 9am. John says the trial was going on in the sixth hour of the day (John 19:14), but he is using Roman time (midnight plus 6 hours = 6am) which fits perfectly with the other gospels. Other notable events are: the sky going dark from noon to 3pm, the curtain of the temple’s inner sanctum is torn in half at 3pm, and an earthquake occurred at 3pm, and the breaking open of tombs (several resurrected from the dead and went into Jerusalem after Jesus resurrected). 

4) The Time of the Burial:  The burial occurred between 3pm and sunset (6pm, the beginning of the Sabbath) on Friday. The Jews insisted that the bodies be taken down before the Sabbath began at sunset  (Matt 27:46, Mark 5:25,34, Luke 23:44). John says that the burial was on the Preparation Day for the Sabbath (John 19:31,42). The Preparation 'day' (daylight periodr), the day prior to the Sabbath, was Friday since Saturday was the Sabbath. 

5) The Preparation Day:   The Passover lamb was slain on the day Jesus was getting ready for the supper in the upper room (Mark 14:12, Matt 26:17, Luke 22:17). The Preparation ‘day’ (daylight hours) was Friday (but technically starting at 6pm Thursday night, when the supper took place).  The day He was crucified was the preparation day (daylight hours) for the Sabbath (Matt 27:62, 28:1, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:14, 31,42), and the day following the Sabbath was the first day of the week (Matt 28:1, Mark 16:1,2, Luke 23:53-24:2, John 19:31,42; 20:1), when Jesus arose. This establishes Thursday night as the time of the supper (the Passover feast), Friday as the day of the crucifixion, and Sunday as the day of the resurrection. 

These foundational concepts are all fine, but how are what seems to be contradictions explained?

B) Explaining The Counting Of Days

1) “On the Third Day”

Based on scripture, there is no doubt that Jesus rose on "the third day" (Friday 1 - Saturday 2 - Sunday 3). Jesus himself said he would be raised "on the third day". Prophesy claimed he would be raised on the third day. Peter proclaimed that Jesus was raised on the third day (Acts 10:40). Paul says that Jesus was raised on the third day (1 Cor 15:4). Is there any doubt in your mind that the resurrection occurred on the third day? To make sure, read: Matt 16:21, 17:23, 20:19, Luke 9:22, 13:32, 18:31, 24:7, Acts 10:40, 1 Cor 15:4. There would be no confusion if this was the only terminology used. It's the other descriptions that the Bible uses to explain the timeline of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection that cause confusion. For instance:

2) “After Three Days”

 Jesus said He would rise "on the third day". However, other scriptures say He would rise "after three days". How can this be? To our way of interpretation, for an event to occur after three days, it would happen on the fourth day, not the third day. However, for a Jew in bible days, these two terms mean the same thing! To prove it, simply look at this passage:  

Matthew 27:62-64a “The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.  "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, `After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day.”

Here's the key: We take the words “after three days” literally -- three 24 hour days. The Jews did not. Jesus claimed he would be raised after three days: Matt 27:63, Mark 8:31, 9:31. So as far as the Jews were concerned, “after three days’ meant the same thing as the term “on the third day”. 

Compare the two scriptures below:

Mark 8:31 “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”

Luke 24:7 ‘`The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "

In a Jewish mind, these two phrases mean the same thing. The Old Testament even has examples of this type of analogy: 

2 Chronicles 10: 5,12 (KJV)  “And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed. So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day. 

  Regardless of our way of thinking and counting in our current language and culture, back then, in their culture, “after three days” meant the exact same thing as “on the third day”. 

3)  “Three Days and Three Nights”

 Jesus said He would rise after three days, and also said that He would rise on the third day, meaning the same thing. However, let’s add to the confusion the fact that the Bible says He would be in the grave three days and three nights!

 Matthew 12:40  “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

To us, three days and three nights would mean 72 hours. From Friday afternoon to Sunday morning is certainly much less than 72 hours. However, to the Jews, nights and days were not always literal 12 hour periods. And that's the key. 

Sometimes parts of days would be called days. And a day could refer to simply a period of daylight, not a whole day, even if just a few hours of daylight. A night could simply refer to a period of darkness.

The book of Esther gives us an example of Jewish thinking regarding the counting of days. Here is proof that the terminology of counting days is not literal as we understand it. In the scripture below, a period of three days and three nights is shown to be accomplished on the third day! This is an important piece of the puzzle in understanding Jewish terminology.

Esther 4:16 – 5:1 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions. On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.” 

Here's how I reconciled this in my own mind:

(1) If Jesus died on a Friday, then to a Jew, Friday technically begins 6pm Thursday night and ends 6pm Friday night, containing one night (darkness period) and one day (daylight period). That's one day and one night. 

(2) Technically Saturday started Friday 6pm and ending Saturday 6pm. That is the second "day" and "night" period.

(3) And Sunday started 6pm Saturday and ending 6pm Sunday. That's the third day and night (darkness and daylight) period. 

So, counting dark periods (starting with Thursday night) and light periods (ending with Sunday sunrise), that's 3 days (daylight periods) and 3 nights (darkness)!

In conclusion: 

"After three days"

"On the third day"

"Three days and three nights"

-- all mean the same thing! That is -- Jesus died on a Friday, and rose from the grave Sunday morning.

Case closed.

How Many Miracles Did Jesus Do?

Do you know how many miracles Jesus performed? Neither do I. No one does. That's because there are several instances in the Bible where Jesus heals entire groups of people, with no total number given.

 

Matthew 4:23-24 

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.

Yes, Jesus did countless miracles, more than we can ever imagine. 

John 21:25

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.

Yet we can't underestimate how incredible even just one miracle is. Some people define miracles too loosely. For instance, I've heard people say the birth of a baby is a miracle. Even though a birth of a baby is an awe inspiring, amazing event, it is not a true miracle by definition.

So what is a miracle? A miracle is an event that defies the laws of nature or science. In other words, it's something that occurs that is literally impossible, at least to us. Bringing a dead person back to life defies nature. Walking on water defies physics. Instantly turning water into wine defies science. Those things are impossible, except for God who created all things, and therefore can alter all things if He choses to intervene. Jesus did things that defy the natural laws of nature, science, and physics. 

When Jesus did a miracle, it was 100% effective. For example, when He healed the leper, it didn't take days for the leprosy to slowly go away. He was healed instantly and completely.

Matthew 8:3

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

But why did Jesus do so many of these signs and wonders? Was it to amaze people? To demonstrate His compassion? His miracles surely did both of those things, but there is something much, much more to it. Jesus didn't want people just to think he was an incredible magician or sorcerer. 

John 4:48

Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?”

He didn't come to earth to just to perform miracles. He performed miracles because they were the method to get people to listen to Him, believe in Him, have faith in Him, and follow Him. His signs and wonders not only demonstrated His love and compassion, but they also proved that He was who He claimed to be, revealing His divine nature.

Acts 2:22

People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.

The miracles of Jesus authenticated His message of the good news -- that He was the Messiah who brings salvation, forgiveness, and ultimately eternal life through His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. 

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Apostles were given the ability to do signs and wonders as well. Their miracles proved they were of God, and that their message was one of truth.

Acts 14:3

But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. 

Today, we don't have Jesus walking on earth, and we don't have the apostles here with us, but we do have their message....the Bible! That is why reading the Bible is so important -- so we will come to believe. 

John 20:30-31

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

And by knowing the Word of God (the Bible), we can come to know who God is, who we are, what He expects from us, and what His promises are for us. 

One more thing....do signs and wonders still happen today? I think I know your answer.......I believe it would be......."Yes"! And I would agree. They happen, not through a person with miraculous powers, but by God through prayer. God is a real-time God, an interactive God who can intervene at any time He wishes. We've all heard of doctors who were baffled by unexplained healings, or heard of seemingly impossible things happen in a person's life. 

Here's a truthful saying, "Our God is a God who can do the impossible."

Let's not forget it, but trust in it!

Luke 18:27

He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”

The Thing That Concerned Jesus The Most

Jesus had many things to be concerned about when He was on earth, but there's something that was most important to Him -- more important than anything else. And He was constantly looking for it, as the scriptures below reveal, but unfortunately, not often finding it.

John 4:48

Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?

John 14:10a 

Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? 

Matthew 6:30

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

Matthew 8:10

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

Matthew 14:31

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Mark 9:23

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

John 3:12

But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

John 6:36

But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me.

 

John 16:31

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe?

It's obvious what Jesus was most concerned about: belief and faith in Him. The most compelling words reinforcing that idea can be found in Luke 18:8, where Jesus refers to Himself in the third person. With anticipation, He is asking an important question that reveals what His heart is yearning for and hoping for when He returns.

Luke 18:8

I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” 

That question is kind of a haunting one -- one that we hope will ultimately have a positive answer. Unfortunately, the highway to hell is broad and the gateway to life is narrow, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13-14).

Will Jesus find anyone with faith when He returns?

Maybe the question we need to be asking ourselves today is this: 

"If Jesus returned today, would He find faith in me?"

After all, that's what He is looking for.