Judas illustrates the problem of having an encounter with Jesus while having the wrong expectations.
Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Monday, January 26, 2015
Based Upon John 18
“Whom seek ye?” This was the powerful question Jesus asked those whom Judas brought to Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He had begun to dishonor His Lord by accepting a bribe to betray Jesus into enemy hands, and upon first encounter, Jesus, with shoulders squared and eyes fixed upon them, faced His pursuers. Their answer to His question was a simple, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Their singular purpose was to find, apprehend, and deliver Him to be executed. It seems they had an opportunity before them that all of us face—to decide in what direction their encounter would go. They sought a man to destroy. They sought a man for whom they had no regard. They sought a man whom they considered ordinary and common. Whom seek ye when you encounter Christ?
All-too-often, we have the privilege of experiencing Christ, and our only real expectation of Him is earthly. Some seek One who will just give them stuff. Some seek One with whom they can associate, but not really represent. Some seek One whom they can call our Savior, but whom they do not accept as Lord of their lives. Some seek One who has given them a taste of the heavenly gift, but spit it out and crucify Him afresh, putting Him to open shame.
I am so glad that we need not be those who are satisfied with this approach to experiencing Christ. When we seek Him diligently, we can find eternal friendship. When we seek Him sincerely, we can find absolute forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness. When we seek Him sincerely, we can find peace and rest in His presence. Whom seek ye?
