December 14 – Who Are You Looking For?

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples. Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered Him, "Jesus the Nazarene." He said to them, "I am He." And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. So when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. Therefore He again asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way," to fulfill the word which He spoke, "Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one." Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave's name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, "Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?" John 18:1-11 

Can you imagine knowing that you were going to be arrested—and still going to the place where the guards were coming for you? Jesus did just that. He went willingly. He kept asking them “Who are you look for?” and answering, “I am the one—that’s me.” There was such power in His words that when the guards finally heard Him they fell to the ground (verse 6).  

Drinking of the cup—doing what is expected. Jesus was obediently following His Father’s plan. He was to be the sacrificial lamb at this Passover. Remember how John the Baptist was baptizing at the Jordan River told the crowd of people when he saw Jesus coming said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Lamb of God. During this advent season as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth—Behold the baby in the manger—the gift of God—given for you. Behold—pay close attention to what is happening. Prepare your heart and your home for the celebration of Christmas. Keep focused on the real meaning of this holiday. Jesus, Christ the King, who came as a gift to you—to give you eternal life. Accept God’s gift. Open your heart and receive Him. Can you take time away from the hustle and hurry of this season where everyone is focused on getting gifts, being entertained and eating fancy foods…and focus on the spiritual food that is set before you? Enjoy a feast of God’s word today. Find peace, joy, love, history and exciting stories that show us how to live and treat others wrapped up within the cover of your Bible.  

Who are you looking for? Someone to bring you an expensive present…a fire truck, an American Girl doll, a Kindle Fire or iPad? Or are you looking for someone who came to take away the sins of the world? Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah will bring peace and joy to your life and your home. He is the greatest gift of all. 

Dear Jesus— I’ve been looking for You. Thank you for humbling Yourself and coming as a gift to all of us on earth. Just as those guards fell before You in the garden when they came to arrest You, I bow my head and my heart at the power of Your words. Help me today to love others for you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).