{"id":44430,"date":"2020-04-12T23:52:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-12T20:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=44430"},"modified":"2025-05-06T18:50:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T15:50:02","slug":"dont-just-assume-jesus-is-with-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2020\/04\/12\/dont-just-assume-jesus-is-with-you\/","title":{"rendered":"DON\u2019T JUST ASSUME JESUS IS WITH YOU"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

Praise the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

In the times we live in\u2014what the Bible refers to as the “last days” (2 Timothy 3:1)\u2014there 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.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not uncommon today to find people who openly live in sin\u2014whether it be sexual immorality, dishonesty, or pride\u2014freely participating in church life, even in holy sacraments such as the Lord\u2019s Table, with little or no reverence. Many seek God only for personal gain: healing, relationships, prosperity\u2014but not for truth, transformation, or salvation. This widespread lukewarm Christianity is exactly what Jesus warned about in Revelation 3:15-16<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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“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\u201316, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

But there is a remnant\u2014a small group\u2014who 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.<\/p>\n

Let us reflect deeply on a well-known biblical story from Luke 2:41\u201350<\/strong>, often read as a childhood account of Jesus, but rich with prophetic meaning for today\u2019s believer.<\/p>\n

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Jesus Lost in the Crowd \u2013 A Warning for Today<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cBut supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em>
(Luke 2:44\u201346, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u2014in the temple, sitting with the teachers.<\/p>\n

Let us note several key theological lessons here:<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Assumption Can Be Dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The phrase “supposing Him to have been in the company”<\/em> (v.44) reveals a false security. Many believers today assume that because they are surrounded by other \u201cChristians,\u201d they are also walking with Jesus. But the presence of religion, people, or traditions does not guarantee the presence of Christ.<\/p>\n

    Jesus warned that \u201cmany will say to Me in that day, \u2018Lord, Lord\u2026\u2019\u201d<\/strong>, and yet He will declare, \u201cI never knew you\u201d<\/strong> (Matthew 7:21\u201323). Religious activity without personal relationship leads to spiritual blindness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Jesus is Found Where Truth is Taught<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    When His parents finally found Him, Jesus was not playing with friends, nor casually mingling with relatives. He was in the temple<\/strong>, actively engaging with the teachers<\/strong>\u2014listening and asking questions. The temple was the house of God, and the teachers were guardians of the Law and Scripture.<\/p>\n

    Christ was already drawn to the Word of God because, as John 1:1<\/strong> declares, \u201cIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The implication is profound: if you are not actively pursuing the teaching of God\u2019s Word, you will lose sight of Christ.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Reconnection Requires Returning<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Joseph and Mary had to retrace their steps\u2014going 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.<\/p>\n

    Just as Jesus told the church in Ephesus:<\/p>\n

    \n

    \u201cRemember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works\u2026\u201d<\/em>
    (Revelation 2:5, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \n

    Christ Is Not in the Crowd\u2014He Is in the Word<\/strong><\/p>\n

    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\u2019s Word, they are distractions, not directions.<\/p>\n

    Jesus is always found where His truth is upheld. He is in the Scriptures. As He told the Jews:<\/p>\n

    \n

    \u201cYou search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.\u201d<\/em>
    (John 5:39, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    If you find yourself disinterested in reading the Bible, neglecting sound teaching, or finding doctrine \u201cboring,\u201d that\u2019s a spiritual warning sign. It likely means you’re drifting further from Christ\u2014even if you\u2019re still surrounded by “church people.”<\/p>\n

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    Conclusion: Where Are You Looking for Jesus?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    It is not enough to walk with the crowd. It is not enough to be \u201cin church.\u201d 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?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Jesus remains where He has always been\u2014in His Father\u2019s house<\/strong>, in the midst of those who love and teach His Word<\/strong>, among those who worship in spirit and in truth<\/strong> (John 4:24).<\/p>\n

    \n

    \u201cDraw near to God and He will draw near to you.\u201d<\/em>
    (James 4:8, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    May we be among the few who stop, turn back, and seek Him\u2014not just in feeling, not in the crowd\u2014but in truth.<\/p>\n

    Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/p>\n