From my earliest memory I have always wanted to know more about how things work, and "why" has plagued my vocabulary. My family often told me the slogan of one of the tabloids, "Inquiring minds want to know," was written just for me.

The Scriptures bring the same issues for me. Why did Zacchaeus climb the tree? Oh, I know he was short, but why did he want to know Jesus so much? And, what about when Mary and Joseph suddenly discovered Jesus was not with their caravan? Or, why did the wise men follow that star? But, I think the real question is, "Why did I search for Jesus?" Why do you search for Jesus?

In Matthew, chapter 2, we are told about Herod searching for Jesus. When he heard that one who was to be the messiah was born the Scriptures say he was troubled. The word used for trouble can also mean anxious, vexed, or distressed. Herod was afraid of the change and the power. He was afraid of what he would loose. Many times in our lives we search for Jesus for those very same reasons. We are afraid, scared, and insecure. We are afraid of change or things being out of control. So, we begin to search. And, the more fearful we get the harder we search for Jesus.

Mary and Joseph begin their journey home in Luke 2. They had been to Jeruselum to celebrate the Passover. They discovered Jesus was not with them. The men usually traveled in one group and the ladies and children in another. This would have been a large group of people.

Maybe Mary thought Jesus was with the men. Maybe Joseph thought Jesus was with Mary. Can you imagine the panic that struck when they realized He was nowhere to be found? They did not find Him for three days. They searched for Him, I'm sure, with mixed parental emotions. They searched because they loved Him. But, they searched because they were His parents. They were responsible for Him. Sometimes we search for Jesus because we love Him, but also because it is what we are supposed to do. In fact much of what we do in our Christian walk is done because it is our duty.

In the text people are searching for Jesus because of physical needs. They had seen and heard the wonderful things He had done. Now they have followed Him to the other side of the Lake. But, not because of the "signs." Jesus said they came because their stomachs had been filled. We often search for Him to meet our needs. All one has to do to understand this is to listen to our prayers. "Lord, I need . . ." We pour out our physical needs in far greater proportion than our praise.

These people, after being rebuked by Jesus, begin to understand the reality is not about what He can do or what He can give. Searching for Jesus has to do with "who He is."

Jesus says He is the bread of life. It is Jesus and our relationship with Him that we should seek. Jesus longs to have a personal, intimate relationship with each of us. This is why He came. This is why He endured the cross. This is why He overcame death. This is why He sends His spirit to draw you unto Himself.

Why do YOU search for Jesus?

Why then,do we, like those that came to the tomb, after His crucifixion continue to "search for the living among the dead?" Our world is in search for Jesus in all the wrong places and for all the wrong reasons.
_______________

Sermon brief provided by: John Burke, Nolensville, TN