Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

O Jesus, Where Art Thou?

Saturday, April 7, 2001

John 11:45-57
They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple area they asked one another,

"What do you think? Isn't he coming to the Feast at all?"

This whole passage reads like something written by Bob Woodward, about politics, conspiracy, backstabbing, even a "deep throat" spy. The government's machinations go into high gear; Jesus goes into hiding - perhaps he had his own spies, perhaps he simply did what his Father told him to do.

The folks in Jerusalem early for the Passover holiday are unaware of the maneuvering behind the scenes. They're just excited about seeing Jesus and disappointed that he's nowhere to be found. It would be like going to see the Bulls play basketball, then finding out that Michael Jordan is home sick. Or watching the Cardinals play baseball while Mark McGuire sits in the dugout nursing his back. Only more so.

They came to see Jesus! Where was he? Jesus was the celebrity of the moment, and his presence was expected. They wanted his autograph, they wanted his touch, they wanted just to see him. If he shook their hand, they weren't going to wash that hand for weeks.

The excitement, the anticipation of seeing Jesus has been building for weeks. It is nearing its crescendo. His absence only fuels the fires of expectations and rumor. The climax of Jesus' public ministry is at hand, and the eyes of the people are wide open, their ears are straining for his voice, they are on the edges of their seats as they watch the unfolding of this drama of heaven and earth. Jesus! Where is he?

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it
completely, O Lord.
(Psalm 139)

Devotions Archive

O Jesus, Where Art Thou?

Saturday, April 7, 2001