If Jesus sat down with us for some one-on-one time, what would we ask Him? More importantly, how would we respond to His questions?
Knowing He is omniscient God, the Living Word of God [John 1:1-3] who knows the “thoughts and intents of the heart” [Hebrews 4:12], compels us to answer honestly and fully. No hiding, deflecting, or excusing. Just honest answers.
John’s Gospel records several questions Jesus asked in His earthly ministry. By personally considering each of His questions, we face His same probing truth. By responding truthfully, may we be drawn into a more intimate walk with Him.
19th Question – Whom Are You Seeking?
The time had come for Jesus to die.
After the Last Supper, He led the disciples across the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. It would be where He faced His final temptation—without the support or prayers of the disciples.
Asking them to “watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” [Matthew 26:41], He went a little farther and “fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” [Matthew 26:39].
In that position of agony, loneliness, ultimate surrender, Judas Iscariot arrived. And he brought along armed soldiers and officers from those who despised and opposed Him. Add intimate betrayal to the Savior’s sufferings.
Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” [John 18:4]
The impact of Jesus’ question knocked them to the ground. Imagine the power of His spoken Word to affect those who would threaten Him. That should have been their wake-up call. They were not dealing with an ordinary criminal. They were there, with criminal intent, for the Son of God.
After regaining their senses and footing, Jesus asked again, “Whom are you seeking?” The repetition also serves as an opportunity to reconsider their motives and purpose. But their response revealed their ignorance. “Jesus of Nazareth.” The arrest warrant indicated an obscure man from an insignificant town.
Response
Too often, people seek the human Jesus, not the divine Jesus. So, Jesus repeats His question to give additional chances to recognize Him for Who He truly is. Those, like the wise men from the East, seek Him as “The King of the Jews.” Some seek Him as a mere mortal, “Jesus of Nazareth.” But there are some who seek Him as the Son of God, the promised Messiah [Micah 5:2], the anointed Christ [Matthew 16:16], the Creator of all [John 1:1-3, 14], “God with us” [Matthew 1:23].
The question holds eternal significance. “Whom are you seeking?” It is an individual and inevitable quest. Each person must answer the question because all will stand before Him one day [Romans 14:12]. Inevitably, the day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord [Romans 14:11]. The choice is clear: seek Him as Savior and Lord here or find Him as Judge in the hereafter.
(Link to question 18; link to question 20)
