FOLLOWING INVISIBLE JESUS
John 6:25-71
Vv. 27-29: “‘Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.’ Then they asked Him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.’”
2nd-grader Marshall asked his 4th-grade friend Miguel, who was tossing a baseball up in the air at recess, “Hey Miguel, I have a question.”
“What, Marshall?” Miguel wondered.
“Father Tim’s sermon was to follow Jesus. How can we follow Jesus when He’s invisible?”
Marshall’s great question demands an answer. Jesus’ original disciples immediately abandoned their work and followed Him (Matthew 4:18-22). But they followed someone that they could see. Today we follow Jesus by hearing, and applying His words found in the Bible, obeying His every command. AND, the indwelling Holy Spirit is even closer to us than Jesus was, physically, to His disciples.
We’re so lucky to have God living within (John 14:16-17)! The Holy Spirit does everything for us that Jesus did for His disciples. He guides our every step. He teaches us God’s truths. He enables us to serve and obey the Lord. He helps us discover God’s will for our lives. He escorts us to that path. He leads us to victory on that path. He provides us the desire and strength to follow that path all through our lives. AND, He transforms us into Christ likeness!
All we have to do is believe and follow.
We can pretend, for example, when reading Matthew 4:18-22, that we’re walking alongside Peter, Andrew, James, and John. We can “hear” every word Jesus teaches. How would we have reacted to His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapter 5)? We can learn His ways by copying how He related to people. We can “see” Jesus’ compassion when healing the sick.
“Well, Marshall, I think that the Holy Spirit will show us what to do, how to act, and what to say in every situation.” Miguel said. “Just like now He told me how to answer your question!”
Take Home Nugget
Miguel’s right. We don’t have to physically follow people to “follow” their ways. Follow also means to pursue, stick to, or go after. We don’t have to need Jesus for anything specific to follow Him, because this commitment goes beyond emotions or needs. The harder we seek after Jesus, the quicker we grow into Christ-likeness.
Our times are in the Father’s hands.
Of course we always want more.
Let’s strive to obey all His commands
So at life’s end, He’ll greet us at the door.
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
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