Seek Jesus

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Seek Jesus

In a world filled with distractions and noise, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important. But as followers of Jesus, we're called to seek Him above all else. In this post, we'll explore three scriptures that highlight the importance of seeking Jesus.

A Desperate Cry for Help

In Luke 18:35-40, we meet a blind beggar named Bartimaeus who's desperate for Jesus' attention. As Jesus passes by, Bartimaeus cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The crowd tries to silence him, but Bartimaeus persists, shouting all the louder. Jesus stops and asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus replies, "Rabbi, I want to see." Jesus heals his blindness, and Bartimaeus follows Him.

Bartimaeus' desperation is a powerful reminder of our own need for Jesus. We may not be physically blind, but we're often spiritually blind, stumbling through life without direction. Like Bartimaeus, we must cry out to Jesus for mercy and healing.

Faith That Moves Mountains

In Mark 2:2-5, we read about four friends who bring a paralyzed man to Jesus. When they arrive, the crowd is so dense that they can't get to Jesus. Undeterred, they climb onto the roof and lower their friend down through the tiles. Jesus is moved by their faith and heals the paralyzed man.

This story shows us that seeking Jesus requires faith and perseverance. The four friends didn't give up when faced with obstacles; instead, they found creative ways to reach Jesus. We, too, must be willing to take bold steps of faith to seek Jesus and bring others to Him.

A Thirsty Soul

In Psalm 42:1-2, the psalmist writes, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

These verses express a deep longing for God's presence. The psalmist's soul is parched and thirsty, yearning for the living water that only God can provide. As we seek Jesus, we must cultivate this same thirst for God's presence in our lives.

The Power of Praying in Jesus' Name

As we seek Jesus, it's essential to remember the importance of praying in His name. In John 14:13-14, Jesus says, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

Praying in Jesus' name means acknowledging His authority and power, seeking God's will and glory, and trusting in Jesus' mediation and intercession. When we pray in Jesus' name, we're essentially saying, "Father, I come to You through Jesus, trusting in His sacrifice and mediation. May Your will be done, and may Jesus be glorified."

Conclusion

Seeking Jesus is not a casual or half-hearted pursuit. It requires desperation, faith, and a deep thirst for God's presence. As we cry out to Jesus for mercy and healing, as we take bold steps of faith to reach Him, and as we thirst for His presence in our lives, we'll find that He is always near, waiting to meet with us.

Reflection Questions:

What are some obstacles that prevent you from seeking Jesus?
How can you cultivate a deeper thirst for God's presence in your life?
What bold steps of faith can you take to seek Jesus and bring others to Him?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You in the name of Jesus, trusting in His sacrifice and mediation. May Your will be done, and may Jesus be glorified. Help us to seek Jesus with desperation, faith, and a deep thirst for Your presence. Amen.