For What Purpose?

As the time of the feast of the Passover neared, there was an expectation that Jesus would make an appearance. Many were asking about Him and WATCHING. ( John 11:55-56) After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we find a reference to some Greeks who also came to worship during the feast.

John recorded…
“So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, ‘Sir, WE WISH TO SEE JESUS.’” ( John 12:21 ESV)

Here were Greeks who wanted to see Jesus. I assume they were genuinely interested. However, with many of the Jewish leaders, their seeking was for a different reason.

Mark recorded…
“(1) Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. (2) And THEY WATCHED JESUS, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so THAT THEY MIGHT ACCUSE HIM.” ( Mark 3:1-2 ESV)

We see, then, that during the time of Jesus’ walk on earth, various groups and individuals wanted to see Jesus and WATCHED HIM for diverse reasons. There were these Jews who WATCHED His actions in search of cause for accusation. Herod was glad to see Him because he hoped to have the opportunity to see some sign or miracle from Him. ( Luke 23:8) Many came to be healed of diseases. ( Mark 3:9-10) Zacchaeus wanted desperately enough to see Jesus that he climbed a tree to WATCH Him go by. ( Luke 19:3-4)

What was the impact of having WATCHED Jesus? Some left angry and ready to plot His death. Herod, perhaps, was quite disappointed, for he mocked Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate. Those healed went on their way rejoicing and sharing with others what Jesus had done and of the great power they witnessed. And Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus changed his life for good.

It appears Jesus was WATCHED or sought out because, for some, He was a threat. For others He was an interesting person. While, yet for others He brought goodness and hope to life. And it appears that the purpose behind the WATCHFUL eye is what determined the response.

Why would we WATCH Jesus? Why are we be inclined to take a look at His life? When we read through the Gospels, for what are we truly looking? As we view the walk He walked and the thought He taught, are we seeking a pattern of righteousness for our own life? Are we sufficiently impacted to accept His teaching and follow His example?

Let us consider why we want to see Jesus. Whatever the genuine purpose is will determine the kind of response we will have to what we see. May we genuinely seek to see Jesus for righteous reasons so that when this life is over we will have the opportunity to also see Him as He truly is.

Have a great day WITH A BLESSED VIEW TOWARD JESUS!
Carl

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