Christian Living

Let Them See Jesus

by paul hoffmaster
07/30/23
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The Scripture relates the struggle of an IRS director who wanted to see who Jesus was, but because of the crowds lining the street, he was unable to even catch a glimpse of Jesus.  I believe what happened on that day is a picture of the struggle people are having today to find Jesus.  

People are in pursuit of a life that fulfills the void in their lives.  Alcohol, drugs, and immorality are readily available to anyone that desires to experience a life of carnal fulfillment, but instead of finding green pastures they become even more deeply entrenched in the wilderness of lost hope.  It seems Christians are more concerned with seeing Jesus than they are with seeing the unsaved.  We are more centered on what Jesus can do for “me,” than what Jesus can do for the lost.  If the crowd on that day in Jericho had parted enough so Zacchaeus could have caught a glimpse of Jesus, he would not have had to climb a tree. 

What is hindering those who are searching for the answer to life?  Could it be walled churches that are keeping the saints in and the sinners out?  It is wonderful to be part of a worship experience that witnesses God’s presence, but not at the expense of deafening our ears to the cries of the lost just outside our walls.  We must never allow our doctrines to be the barbed wire that repels those looking for hope.  There is a time to present the basics of our Faith, but we must first make a way for them to see Jesus. 

Before we display what our local church believes, let us display Jesus.  We must stop centering on doctrine and start showing Jesus.  The Apostle Paul simply stated that his whole desire was to present Jesus Christ and “Him crucified.” (I Corinthians 2:2)  Church doctrine is important, but it is like putting the cart before the horse.

When Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree He simply told him to “make haste and come down” for He was going to come to his house. (Luke 19:5)  Jesus is looking for sinners who are up a tree or down in the gutter.  He is willing to go where they live and change their lives completely.  

Jesus called us to be fishers of men.  We are to catch the fish and let Jesus clean the fish.  When the “fish” has been cleaned, they are then able to receive and understand Biblical teachings.  It is estimated that there are over 380,000 churches in the United States.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all got on the same page and presented Jesus and Him crucified? 

The change in Zacchaeus was life-altering.  He vowed to give half of his goods to the poor and if he had cheated anyone, he would restore him fourfold.  Jesus took time to travel to Jericho and meet the IRS agent that had inflicted financial pain on so many people.  When will we leave our comfort zones to bring the Gospel message?

On the way out of Jericho, Jesus would hear the cry of a blind beggar calling out for help.  Jesus not only met his need but the other blind man with him.  Jesus sees and hears the calls for help and is willing to meet them wherever they are.  May we do the same!

Ref.  Luke 18, 19; Mark 19; Matthew 20