Where is Jesus?

I am looking for Jesus, do you know where I can find Him?  Seems like a fair question.  It seems that Jesus received the same question during his time walking the roads to and from Jerusalem as well.  And not simply from the skeptical and contentious ones, but also from friendly fire such as John the Baptist.  These two grew up together, their parents knew each other, yet even John began to question Jesus’ identity.  “Are you the Messiah” (Luke 7:18-35)?  John was waiting for the promised one who would free the captives from their bondage, which seemed to be a rather present topic on his mind as he pillowed his head in a cold, damp, and disgusting 1st-century jail cell.  

Jesus’ response is what is most shocking.  First, he heals a bunch of people and then he quotes an old prophet (Isaiah to be exact).  Everyone has their own understanding of how things should look when God breaks in.  John had his own version and surprisingly, but not too surprisingly, he was a little off.  Fortunately, Jesus does not leave this particular matter to question, offering a powerful explanation.  

We are still asking this same questions today.  “Where is Jesus, and how will I know that He is here and working?”  With a few years of ministry under my belt, I have found this question most often answered with the ABC’s of ministry.  In other words, you know that Jesus is working when you have good Attendance, amazing Buildings, and substantial Cash.  Even though we often deny such a silly notion with our mouths, our words are rather cheap.  What we say is not nearly as important as what we do.  I have never attended a conference or seminar with a pastor of a congregation of 50 or less as the keynote speaker.  

While we seem to value these things, Jesus’ public ministry did not.  Jesus’ congregation was reduced to one woman, one cross, and not even enough money to purchase a proper grave.  Jesus’ actions proved what he valued.  Whenever Jesus was present three things did exist, not the ABC’s but the HER’s.  When Jesus showed up the sick were Healed, the possessed were Exorcised, and the dead were Resurrected. What is vital to understand is that any human (with the right help in some cases) can attract a following, erect buildings, and raise money, but ONLY God can heal the sick, cast out the Devil, and raise the dead.  We often choose the former, infatuated with the feeling of power and control is offers.  However, it is only the latter that truly represents the kingdom.  Jesus is already here and he is presently working, but this is mostly clearly seen at the point where we break with our historically strong knees and tall back and bow low before God.