What steps can we take to seek Jesus earnestly, reflecting on John 7:36? Setting the Scene John 7 records a moment of tension during the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus is teaching openly, yet many listeners are confused, resistant, or hostile. Into that confusion He declares, “You will look for Me, and you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come” (John 7:36). The statement exposes two contrasting realities: some seek Him but fail to find, while others pursue Him and enter His presence. The Heart of the Verse • Jesus is unmistakably real, present, and knowable—yet not on human terms. • The religious leaders’ unbelief shows that curiosity, proximity, or tradition do not equal genuine seeking. • Access to Jesus is granted by faith and surrender, not by status or intellect (cf. John 14:6). Why Some Search but Do Not Find • Pride that refuses to bow to His authority (John 5:44). • A love of human approval over God’s truth (John 12:42-43). • Sin cherished and left unconfessed (Isaiah 59:2). • An intellectual-only pursuit that avoids personal repentance (James 2:19). Practical Steps to Seek Jesus Earnestly 1. Hunger for Truth above Tradition – Test every belief against Scripture, not culture (Acts 17:11). 2. Approach with Humble Repentance – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners” (James 4:8). – Confess specific sins; turn decisively from them (Proverbs 28:13). 3. Pursue Him Daily in His Word – Read, meditate, and memorize; Scripture is the primary place He reveals Himself (Psalm 119:105). – Expect the Spirit to illuminate the text (John 16:13). 4. Pray with Persevering Desire – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find” (Matthew 7:7). – Pray until your will aligns with His, not merely until you feel better. 5. Obey What You Already Know – Revelation increases with obedience (John 14:21). – Small steps of faith open doors to deeper fellowship. 6. Engage in Christ-Centered Fellowship – Worship, study, and serve alongside believers who exalt Jesus (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Accountability sharpens earnest pursuit (Proverbs 27:17). 7. Fix Your Hope on His Promises – “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). – Faith in His faithfulness fuels steadfast seeking (Hebrews 11:6). Promises to Encourage Perseverance • He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). • He will never cast out the one who comes to Him (John 6:37). • He is present to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). Closing Thoughts John 7:36 warns that casual curiosity falls short; yet Scripture assures that wholehearted seekers will meet the living Christ. Choose hunger over hesitation, repentance over pride, and obedience over mere inquiry—then enjoy the certainty that He can indeed be found. |
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