By Lamont H. Fuchs, Ed.D. (https://preacherspurs.com)
Scripture references: John 5:39-40, 1 John 5:11-12, Matthew 11:2-5, Galatians 2:21, John 9:40-41, John 10:24-25, John 10:31-33, John 14:6-7
A plethora of verses can be found that reveal how all of Israel, except for the disciples and followers of Jesus, discounted Him as Lord. Today’s literate world knows of Jesus but only recognizes that He was a prophet or a historical figure. However, many, including Jews and Muslims of today, consider him a mere footnote in their past as a religious figure who has captured the minds of Christians. They don’t believe He is the Messiah or Lord referenced in our Old Testament or their Torah and Qur’an.
The Jews, Muslims, Christians, and the rest of the world may know about Jesus, but this commentary is dedicated to showing who He is to me and you. JESUS IS LORD!
The story is in the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They witnessed Christ in the flesh, on earth, and in ministry using His own words. You only need to reread them to look for those who didn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, the Son of Man, God in the flesh. The fact remains that people were looking for the Messiah yesterday and are looking for the Messiah today and will continue to look for Him tomorrow. He’s been here, and He’s coming back. There is no other.
Many seek God and miss Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes, the Sadducees and Jews all studied and sought after the Word of God to find the Messiah, only to look right over Him while in their presence. He was standing right before them, and they missed Him. All the clues of the Old Testament, all the miracles He performed, all the things He said of Himself, and they missed Him. People still miss Him.
Ever look for something you can’t find all over the house, garage, or workplace? You know what it looks like. You’re sure it has to be someplace close to where it belongs, but you don’t see it. Then someone else points to exactly where it is, and you have already looked over that same spot a dozen times. It’s like you were blind. Someone might say, “If it had been a rattlesnake, it would have bitten you.” Strange comparison right there. You can hear a rattler and not see it; if you don’t believe what you hear and know your danger, you might die. That’s what it’s like to search for and miss the kingdom of God. People can learn all about Jesus, but miss the relationship that He is Lord and that He saves. It is those who miss that and condemn themselves in disbelief.
How did the ancient ones seeking the Kingdom of God respond to Jesus? In their minds, they knew what He was supposed to look like. They decided who He was supposed to be and what they wanted for themselves. In their minds, filled with pride, they were confident that they knew better than their scripture what the Messiah should be. He was not who they wanted.
That thinking is hubris, conceit, pride, and ultimately blind ignorance. In their defense, they were spiritually blinded. They were preordained to condemn Him. That was the plan. People of today seeking the Kingdom of God want to skirt Jesus and make their own way to Heaven. They create their own religion, their own gods, and their own rules. They think they know better, too. But the difference is that the ancient ones were blinded for a grand purpose; you can call upon Jesus to show you the truth through the Holy Spirit.
Who is blinding you? What’s your excuse? Satan is a liar and will keep you from understanding who Jesus is if you let Satan get in the way. Jesus is stronger, His Spirit is stronger, and He overcomes the wiles of Satan. All you need to do is believe and repent, knowing Jesus is Lord God Almighty, and it is He who saves. It is He who is the way to God and the Kingdom of Heaven. Let His Spirit lead you. Ask Him to come into your heart. If you miss Him today, you will miss eternal life with Him. Don’t miss Jesus.
You might pray like this: Lord, God, and Father, we ask that Your Spirit lead and guide us closer to living a Kingdom life with You as our guide. Light our path, direct our feet, and lead us in a closer walk in truth and in Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for revealing who You are so that our faith becomes the belief to accept You as our Saviour and Lord. Teach us how to live in Your light and walk in Your way. Amen
