Where’s Jesus?
by Pastor Tim Klein
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My children, I will be with you for a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won’t find me (John 13:33).
‘Where’s Jesus? Where’s Jesus?’ This is part of an often-told story I’ve heard about a couple of mischievous brothers. Their mother becomes so exasperated with them that one day, after prepping her pastor, the mother sends them to the pastor. She has asked the pastor to attempt to get them to be less mischievous.
The first boy goes into the pastor’s study and sits down. The pastor stands up and asks, ‘Where’s Jesus?’ He continues to ask the same question over and over again, getting louder and louder, until the boy bolts for the door and runs away. His brother follows him. When they finally arrive in a safe place, the second brother asks the first, ‘What happened?’ The brother responds. ‘We are really in trouble this time. They think we have stolen Jesus!’
The same question is a good one for us today: ‘Where’s Jesus?’
For those first close years with Jesus, the first disciples, if they lost track of Jesus, would have to ask where he had got to. Somebody would be able to tell them he’s just gone on ahead – or whatever the situation.
Jesus knew that time was running short for that sort of relationship with him. He spoke of his arrest, crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension. He told them about it: the time will come when I’ll be gone, no longer here, but with my Father. You won’t be able to find me!
Even though those disciples listened to Jesus say, ‘you will look for me, but you won’t find me’, it wasn’t long until they heard the words, ‘I am with you always – even to the close of the age’.
Under this promise, we don’t need to ask, ‘Where’s Jesus?’ Jesus was present wherever those boys were – doing mischief or otherwise. He is with you and me in every situation of our lives.
Now, back to the pastor. The message I suspect he is trying to get through to the boys is this: whatever you are doing, wherever you are, remember where Jesus is. He’s right there with you.
Lord, when I am tempted to sin and look away from you, prompt me with your word, forgive and call me back, remind me that I am your disciple, and refresh your command in my life to ‘love each other’. Amen.
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