Introduction

Jesus was known for his ability to ask thought-provoking questions. In fact, the Gospels record at least 135 instances where Jesus posed questions. One of the most impactful questions he asked can be found in the text we are examining today. Jesus' question, "Who are you looking for?" reveals much about the people involved in this story.

The Search for Identity

About a decade ago, an incident occurred in Iceland where a sightseeing tour lost one of its participants. After an extensive search, it was discovered that the missing woman had been present all along. She had changed her clothes, and when the description of the "missing person" matched her appearance, she unknowingly joined in the search for herself. This story highlights the importance of knowing who we are looking for.

In our text, Judas leads a group of armed soldiers and officers to arrest Jesus. When Jesus asks them, "Whom do you seek?" it reveals their intentions. Judas, driven by greed, betrays Jesus for personal gain. However, despite his treachery, Jesus treats Judas with kindness and even washes his feet. This demonstrates that Jesus came to save even the worst sinners.

The soldiers accompanying Judas claim to be searching for "Jesus of Nazareth," but they fail to recognize him. Their lack of knowledge about Jesus leads them to misunderstand his true identity. Similarly, many people today form opinions about Jesus based on the negative views of others without truly knowing who he is.

Sharing Our Testimony

When faced with people who have misconceptions about Jesus, we should follow his example. Instead of becoming defensive or confrontational, we should share our personal experiences and what Jesus means to us. We don't need to engage in complex theological debates; simply pointing others to Jesus and how he has transformed our lives can be powerful.

Conclusion

Jesus' question, "Who are you looking for?" challenges us to consider our own search for identity and the misconceptions we may hold about Jesus. Just as Jesus treated Judas with kindness, we should approach those who misunderstand or reject Jesus with love and compassion. By sharing our personal testimonies, we can point others to the transformative power of Jesus in our lives.

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