DON’T JUST ASSUME JESUS IS WITH YOU

Introduction

Praise the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In the times we live in—what the Bible refers to as the “last days” (2 Timothy 3:1)—there is a growing confusion among those who call themselves Christians. The label “Christian” has become so broadly used that even secular musicians, actors, and public figures now claim the identity, all while living lifestyles that directly contradict the teachings of Christ.

It’s not uncommon today to find people who openly live in sin—whether it be sexual immorality, dishonesty, or pride—freely participating in church life, even in holy sacraments such as the Lord’s Table, with little or no reverence. Many seek God only for personal gain: healing, relationships, prosperity—but not for truth, transformation, or salvation. This widespread lukewarm Christianity is exactly what Jesus warned about in Revelation 3:15-16:

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15–16, NKJV)

But there is a remnant—a small group—who genuinely desire to follow Jesus with sincerity, to obey His Word, and to walk the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:14). To such people, Jesus reveals Himself.

Let us reflect deeply on a well-known biblical story from Luke 2:41–50, often read as a childhood account of Jesus, but rich with prophetic meaning for today’s believer.

Jesus Lost in the Crowd – A Warning for Today

“But supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.”
(Luke 2:44–46, NKJV)

This story unfolds after Mary and Joseph took young Jesus to Jerusalem for the annual Feast of Passover. On their return journey, they made a crucial mistake: they assumed Jesus was in their group. They traveled a full day before realizing He was missing. Only after three days of anxious searching did they find Him—in the temple, sitting with the teachers.

Let us note several key theological lessons here:

Assumption Can Be Dangerous

The phrase “supposing Him to have been in the company” (v.44) reveals a false security. Many believers today assume that because they are surrounded by other “Christians,” they are also walking with Jesus. But the presence of religion, people, or traditions does not guarantee the presence of Christ.

Jesus warned that “many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord…’”, and yet He will declare, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21–23). Religious activity without personal relationship leads to spiritual blindness.
Jesus is Found Where Truth is Taught

When His parents finally found Him, Jesus was not playing with friends, nor casually mingling with relatives. He was in the temple, actively engaging with the teachers—listening and asking questions. The temple was the house of God, and the teachers were guardians of the Law and Scripture.

Christ was already drawn to the Word of God because, as John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The implication is profound: if you are not actively pursuing the teaching of God’s Word, you will lose sight of Christ.
Reconnection Requires Returning

Joseph and Mary had to retrace their steps—going all the way back to Jerusalem. This is a clear call to repentance. When we drift from Christ, we must return to where we left Him, not continue hoping He will follow us.

Just as Jesus told the church in Ephesus:

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…”
(Revelation 2:5, NKJV)

Christ Is Not in the Crowd—He Is in the Word

Many today try to find Jesus in music, in emotional experiences, in religious events, or even in charismatic personalities. But unless these lead to deeper knowledge and obedience of God’s Word, they are distractions, not directions.

Jesus is always found where His truth is upheld. He is in the Scriptures. As He told the Jews:

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
(John 5:39, NKJV)

If you find yourself disinterested in reading the Bible, neglecting sound teaching, or finding doctrine “boring,” that’s a spiritual warning sign. It likely means you’re drifting further from Christ—even if you’re still surrounded by “church people.”

Conclusion: Where Are You Looking for Jesus?

It is not enough to walk with the crowd. It is not enough to be “in church.” The crucial question is: Is Christ truly with you? Or have you, like Mary and Joseph, traveled a long way without realizing you’ve left Him behind?

Jesus remains where He has always been—in His Father’s house, in the midst of those who love and teach His Word, among those who worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).