February 11 Where Is He Going?

John 7:33-36 Jesus said, “I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me. 34 You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks? 36 What did he mean when he said, ‘You will look for me, but you will not find me,’ and ‘Where I am, you cannot come’?”
 
SOME in the crowd have begun to believe Jesus is the Messiah. When they said “Messiah”, they saw Jesus on the throne in Jerusalem, not in heaven. Jesus, then begins to teach more of himself. He reveals he is not staying to teach, heal or rule on earth. In the near future he is returning to the Father, who sent him.
   Of course, they do not understand this, yet. The Jews’ response indicates they remain confused. They wonder if he is going to live with the Gentiles or Jews in other parts of the Roman Empire.
   We may wonder why Jesus wasn’t more specific. When we view God through our human eyes, we can easily misunderstand his motives. But the Lord had to be careful how he revealed himself here. If he said at that moment, “I am returning to heaven.” the temple guards standing near him would have more reasons to arrest him for blasphemy. In fact, that is exactly what happened at Jesus’ trial. He did tell them where he would be: Matthew 26:64 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” These were the words that condemned Jesus to the cross.
   Let’s remember, too, that Jesus was also teaching the Twelve. Despite their constant contact with the Lord, they indicated many times their misunderstanding about Jesus’ short stay on earth. Ultimately, the disciples would need to fully commit to follow Jesus. To go with Jesus to the right “place” at the right time, the disciples would have to remain faithful to their Lord. We know Judas did not remain faithful; he went his own way and is separated from Jesus forever.
   Do you find Jesus’ teachings unclear at time? Do you perhaps think you have “tomorrow” to learn? Know he has established a time for your life and your learning on earth. Seek Jesus’ teachings. Understand this is the Lord’s gift to you. There is only a short time to know him before this life ends. Be diligent to remain with Jesus. Live with him forever.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your remarkable, eternal teaching. I confess I do not always understand at first. Help me, Holy Spirit, to know and remain faithful to the Savior. Amen.