Mark 1:35-38

Looking for Jesus

It seems curious Jesus would say, “Let us go somewhere else.” It seems even more curious when he says it to his disciples following their exclamation, “Everyone is looking for you!” While the disciples would have been content to stay in that area of Galilee, Jesus had a different plan. He came to proclaim the good news of forgiveness and eternal life to all.

As I consider Jesus’ response, I need to ask myself a question: “What am I looking for?”  My answer to that question is important because the devil has designed a trap for me. He wants me to consider Jesus as someone over whom I can exercise control and authority. Then, when Jesus doesn’t turn out to be what I am looking for, the devil quickly springs the trap and I am caught in disappointment and despair. His goal is to lead me to the conclusion: Jesus wasn’t what I was looking for.

This is why I need to look for Jesus where God has revealed him. In the Bible he is called my Savior. He lived a sinless life in my place.  He provided the payment required to secure my freedom from the fear of punishment when he died for my sins. He guaranteed peace and forgiveness for me through his triumph over the devil when he rose from the grave. If this is what I am looking for, then I don’t have to look any farther. Jesus is my Savior, my Redeemer, my comfort, my joy and my peace.

When Jesus was on this earth, he could have gathered countless followers. All he had to do was become what they were looking for. Unfortunately, many became disappointed and stopped following Jesus because he did not conform to their desires. What about me? What am I looking for? If I am looking for Jesus to be the one whom God has revealed in the Bible, then I will have the Savior I need.