Expecting To See Jesus

The three women went to the place of burial expecting to see Jesus who had died and was buried. The three men went to the place of birth, expecting to see Jesus who was, brought forth, birthed.

My first thought is whether or not I am expecting to see Jesus at all. This is what I mean. Are there not times when we go searching for something and although we have the physical action and work of looking, moving about and expending lots of time and energy, our minds and hearts don’t share the same energy? We are looking, but not really expecting to find. We go, but we are not truly expecting to receive. This kind of opposing, counterproductive attitude, cannot be attributed to either of these two groups of people. Both the men and the women are expecting to see Jesus and serve Him as they have planned.

Both these groups are so determined to see Jesus, so sure of the circumstances surrounding their undaunted expectation, that they overcome every obstacle and barrier in their way.

Let’s look at what Mark tells us in relation to the women, as they go looking for Jesus, expecting to see Him. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb? Mark 16: 2 – 3. The first thing revealed to us, in no uncertain terms, is that these women’s expectations were sure, precise and unmoved. They are so resolved to go and see Jesus that they can hardly wait. They are ready and waiting; resolved and prepared to serve the Jesus whom they are expecting to see. This verse also tells us that although they were fully cognizant of the pitfalls and barriers before them, they still went expecting to see Jesus. In light of all we know about this small crowd of women, what does their question, Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb, indicate? Among a number of things, it certainly is not a question of timidity, fear or trepidation. Indeed Not! It is a question which has come from people who are sound and resolved in faith, not fear, for they are stubbornly going alone, knowing that they are physically incapable of removing the barrier, the stumbling block to them seeing Jesus.

But what of the men? Let’s look at what Matthew tells us in relation to the men, as they go looking for Jesus, expecting to see Him. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Matthew 2: 1 - 2. The first thing revealed to us, and most undeniably so, is that these men’s expectations were sound and fired by God Himself. We saw his star in the east. So resolute are they, we get the distinct feeling that after seeing the star, these wise men did not linger nor lag, in making preparations to go and see Jesus. Whatever preparations were needed to make this long journey, whatever resources were needed, they set off on their long trek, spiritually and physically prepared to serve the Jesus whom they are expecting to see.

This verse also tells us that although they were totally ignorant of where Jesus was born, their own lack of this knowledge was no barrier or stumbling block to them. They still all went, expecting to see Jesus. In light of all we know about this small, wise crowd of men, what does their question, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews, indicate? This is not a question showing up folly. On the contrary, the question depicts the enquiring mind and heart, the strength and determination of mission to accomplish one’s goal. Yes indeed! It is a question which has come from the wise, who are sound and resolved in mission and mind, as they resolutely keep going, knowing that they would need the help of others to get over some of the hurdles and barriers which would arise in their path. They are not daunted in any way. Their expectations are not dwindling in any way. They keep faith and foot, as they persevere on their mission to come and worship Jesus, King of the Jews.

The heart that does not fear, is the heart that truly seeks and expects to receive.